Colin Fitzgerald signs with Green Bay Gamblers
Peterborough teen was a potential second-overall pick in the upcoming OHL draft
Peterborough’s Colin Fitzgerald threw the OHL community for a loop by signing with the United States Hockey League’s Green Bay Gamblers 48 hours ahead of Friday night’s OHL Priority Selection.
The Gamblers announced Wednesday night they have tendered Fitzgerald in a news release complete with a photo of the Peterborough Fitzsimmons Garage U16 AAA Petes centre in a Gamblers jersey and baseball cap.
Less than 24 hours earlier, Fitzgerald told The Examiner it was his lifelong dream growing up watching OHL hockey in his hometown to be drafted to the OHL. Neither he nor his father Rob Fitzgerald, a former OHL player and player agent, gave any indication they were considering the USHL as an option.
Fitzgerald’s stock rose dramatically through the second half of the season as he led his team in playoff scoring, tied for the tournament scoring lead at the OHL Cup Showcase and was named a tournament all-star. Sources told The Examiner the Sarnia Sting were looking at Fitzgerald as the potential secondoverall selection in the OHL draft. Rob Fitzgerald said on Tuesday night nothing was set in stone and Colin had not finalized an agreement with any OHL team. Sources tell The Examiner a larger than normal number of top prospects this season are indicating they may sign with USHL or BCHL teams rather than join the OHL.
The Gamblers press release states the club signed Fitzgerald to a tender agreement for the 2024-25 USHL season.
“We are ecstatic to introduce Colin as our newest Gambler,” stated head coach and general manager Michael Leone, in the news release. “He brings a rare combination of size, speed, scoring, physicality, and character to our organization.
“He is a winner, and one of the top prospects in his age group. We strive to bring the best players and people to the Green Bay community, and Colin embodies that philosophy perfectly. We’re extremely happy to welcome him and the entire Fitzgerald family to our hockey club for the next big step in his journey.”
The USHL allows each of its member teams to tender up to two players that are eligible for the upcoming Phase 1 USHL Draft. This year’s Phase 1 draft consists of players born in 2008. Players who sign tenders must play in at least 55 per cent of their team’s games during the 2024-25 season. USHL teams surrender their first-round draft pick in exchange for tendering a player.
“I am very pleased and excited to continue my hockey development path with a great organization like Green Bay,” Fitzgerald stated in the news release. “I look forward to working with Coach Leone and his staff, who have been instrumental in this process. I appreciate this opportunity and look forward to helping the team any way I can. I can’t wait to get started.”
Fitzgerald is the sixth tender in Gamblers history. He joins forward Lev Katzin as just the second player tendered by the Gamblers since 2013, after the league implemented the current process in 2012.
In 35 OMHA games this season, Fitzgerald scored 39 goals, 25 assists and 64 points. In eight OHL Cup playoff games, he added another 13 goals and 21 points to lead all players.
“Colin is a goal-scoring centre who plays a power game and got better and better as the year went on,” stated Tim MacLean, Gamblers director of Canada scouting. “He drives hard to the net and has a great shot with soft hands in tight. He plays a physical game, and his rugged style is going to make him a fan favourite in the years to come. The bigger the moment, the better he played this season.”
Fitzgerald did not immediately return an Examiner message seeking comment.
‘‘ I am very pleased and excited to continue my hockey development path with a great organization like Green Bay. I can’t wait to get started.
COLIN FITZGERALD