Joe Colborne has had a far from modest start to his season with the Toronto Marlies. Colborne currently playing with Joey Crabb and Jerry D’Amigo has produced 8 goals and 16 points in just 8 games this season thus far. Putting him on a 2 point per game pace. Also putting him at the top of the AHL in league scoring.
Colborne would tell you this start has a lot to do with the improvements he’s made this past off-season. Colborne skated and trained extensively with skating coaches to improve his prowess on the blades. It’s showing as his stride looks smoother and longer this season, along with him looking more agile for having such a big frame. Described as a pass first center, Colborne is showing he has no problem putting the puck in the net when the opportunity presents itself. That opportunity is going to come more often than ever as Colborne has been creating chances for not only his teammates, but for himself so far this season.
Fans aren’t the only ones impressed with the big native of Calgary Alberta. Marlies Coach Dallas Eakins is impressed with not only his play with the puck, but also away from it. Chiming that he’s much more defensively sound this season. Overall a great start for Big Joe, but a test lies ahead as the Marlies have a 9 game road trip which has already begun with a loss to Lake Erie tonight 2 to 1. However Colborne notched the lone goal for the Marlies with a nice dangle on a breakaway. It will be interesting to see if Colborne can keep his production in the vicinity it is now over the next 8 games of the road trip.
Who knows what the future holds for Joe Colborne, but Joe knows what he wants to be. “I want to be a first-line centre” says Colborne. That’s all that Leaf fans need to hear for now, as he’s shown if he wants something he’s willing to work hard to get it.
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