When the Flyers and their General Manager Chuck Fletcher get into the fourth round, there should be no need for any paper shuffling, stats checking, or playing video reels as long as one name is still on the board. That name is Sam Colangelo, winger for the Chicago Steel of the
United States Hockey League (USHL).
Sam is one exciting prospect. At 6’2″ inches tall, weighing in at 205 pounds, this solid winger plays a rough and rugged game, using his size, strength, and pure power to allow himself to get to wherever he wants to be on the ice. When rushing into the offensive zone, Sam is able to show off his remarkable fore-checking efforts which are amongst the best in the league. Once he regains the puck, Colangelo is able to cycle the puck well- allowing his team to set themselves up into their system. Once there, Colangelo loves to set up shop in front of the opposing teams net hoping to redirect a shot for a well-deserved goal. If the puck doesn’t go in, he will chase down any rebounds and create his own shot. Gifted with a quick release, Sam lets shots rip off his stick accurately and OFTEN! His game does not only stop in the offensive zone though.
When his opponents regain control of the puck and force a breakout, Colangelo’s non-stop motor will not allow him to just sit back and watch the play carry on down the ice. Instead, Sam is able to use his edges well, changing direction in transition with ease. Sam also skates well
for his size. This allows him to catch up with the opposition’s rush, pestering them all the way into the zone. If his opponents are able to set up and cycle the puck in Colangelo’s defensive zone, Sam will sit and wait- ready to pounce on the first slow pass that leaves a defender’s stick in order to intercept the puck and run it down the ice for another chance at a goal (a trick that Flyers Center Kevin Hayes can pull off so well).
There is not much that Colangelo can’t do, and he proved this by way of assisting the Steel to an unheard of 41-7-1 record on the year, while totaling 28 goals and 30 assists, for 58 points along the way. That’s a 1.31 point per game pace. That’s still not the most impressive statistic of his though: Sam managed a league-leading +32 on the year, giving teams the reassurance that he could definitely play on a teams’ penalty killing unit at the next level one day.
This Massachusetts native has committed to play at Northeastern University next season, where he will most certainly build upon his skill sets and help the Huskies in all facets of the game (much like he did for the Chicago Steel this season). Colangelo would be a wise choice for the Flyers in the 4th round. From his true grit and toughness, to the desire and determination that drives this young prospect to outwork the opposition in both ends of the ice night in and night out, combined with his nonstop hustle, Colangelo truly signifies just what is expected of a player if they are to be privileged enough to get to wear an Orange and Black jersey one day.Â
