Ethan Wyttenbach is burning to get his shot within the NHL.
The Flames draft decide and Quinnipiac phenom will use his second collegiate season to prep for the massive break — and maybe a chance to put on the celebrities and stripes after Christmas — because the promising 19-year-old continues to impress the hockey world.
“The aim is to play another yr after which head to Calgary on the finish of the season,” the Roslyn native informed The Publish earlier than heading again to campus.
The winger heads again north of New Haven coming off an awe-inspiring marketing campaign with the Bobcats.
Neglect the freshman 15 — Wyttenbach put up an NCAA-leading 59 factors, was named rookie of the yr and completed as a high 10 finalist for faculty hockey’s high trophy, the Hobey Baker Award.
“I really feel manner higher than I did final yr, and I’m simply hoping to duplicate it — plus a bit of bit,” he stated.
Flame on!
Wyttenbach obtained a style of the present this summer season whereas at Flames rookie camp, which he was restricted from final yr as a consequence of damage.
“Simply getting a second likelihood to satisfy the blokes, construct higher relationships with the workers” have been all large confidence boosters, he stated. “It was cool to see the followers there … simply wanting ahead to constructing my roots there.”
Wyttenbach, a fifth-round decide in 2025, has additionally skated this summer season with a future Calgary teammate manner nearer to house on the island, understanding with Flames star Matthew Coronato of Greenlawn.
“I skated with him just about each day, and we labored out collectively,” Wyttenbach stated. “It was nice to be taught from him in any manner I can and simply construct that relationship with him. The aim is to be teammates with him on the finish of this yr.”
Play ‘Free Chicken’
The Nassau County sensation additionally confirmed his expertise on the worldwide stage with Staff USA this summer season in the course of the World Junior Summer season Showcase, notching eight factors in 4 video games — 5 of them targets.
His subsequent aim is making America’s roster for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship on the finish of the yr and into January.
“It’s cool to put on the jersey in the summertime, however it’s not the actual factor,” Wyttenbach stated. “I’m simply making an attempt to earn my spot on the group in December and see what I can do to assist the group in any manner I can.”
Afterward, the plan is playoff redemption along with his Bobcats, who fell to North Dakota within the regional spherical of the 2026 NCAA Match.
“I’m excited for a second likelihood at successful a nationwide championship — and simply being again with the blokes,” he stated.
That and taking house the Hobey this time.
“These would mix for a fairly good sophomore yr,” he stated, laughing.
The whirlwind success can also be humbling Wyttenbach, who remains to be getting used to youngsters developing for autographs and photos after video games.
“It’s positively nonetheless a bit of bit new to me, being so younger, however it’s simply actually cool,” he stated.
Wyttenbach recalled his personal adolescence, when he aspired to be like Rangers Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox from Jericho and Bruins Olympic gold medalist Charlie McAvoy from Lengthy Seashore.
“I type of perceive what it’s wish to be of their footwear now and simply attempt to be nearly as good of a job mannequin as I can,” he stated.
Now Wyttenbach is doing his finest to not get caught offside between dwelling on previous success and future ambitions.
“I’m actually proud of the place I’m at,” he stated. “So, simply making an attempt to take it little by little — and I’ll see what occurs.”
