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DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Penguins Elite Alumni Feature - Colby Saganiuk

04/23/2020, 1:15pm EDT
By admin

Alum Colby Saganiuk currently plays for the U.S National U17 Team and is also committed to Penn State University.

We caught up to chat about his time in the Pens Elite program and how he has adjusted to being apart of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. 

Photo Credit - Dan Hickling

HOW WAS THE ADJUSTMENT FROM 16U TO THE USA HOCKEY NATIONAL TEAM DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM?

Fitting into the NTDP U17 team was quite easy, the rigor of the PPE and Excel program's off and on-ice activities prepared me for the transition. It was also nice that I went to a team where I've played with or against all the 2003 players while I played on the Pens Elite teams.

HOW MUCH DID YOUR TIME WITH PENS ELITE HELP GET YOU TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?

It was a huge help in my development, all staff members push you to be your best. The attention to detail each staff member provided allowed me to develop both as a player and person.

DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR ANY CURRENT PENS ELITE PLAYERS ON HOW TO REACH THEIR GOALS?

Just keep working hard, all in. Throughout every practice and game you play go your hardest. You never know who is watching and the opportunities you can get from working your hardest and showing up to the rink everyday to play your best hockey.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY DURING YOUR TIME AT PENS ELITE?

U16 Nationals year, it was a great year all around and winning the National title really topped off the year.

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE TEAMMATE?

Jack Hughes, we lived and played together this past year and have attended a couple of the same hockey camps over the past few summers. Through our time together at various camps we've really gotten to know each other well, and enjoy playing and supporting each other.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL DAY LIKE FOR YOU?

Wake up at 6am to get ready to go to school from 7am-12pm, transition to the team USA Hockey rink for both off and on-ice training from 1pm-4pm. Alternating weekdays there was study hall from 4pm-5pm.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PRE-GAME MEAL?

Pasta with butter and grilled chicken.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RINK TO PLAY IN AND WHY?

Green Bay Gamblers arena, they have a large crowd base and the games there got pretty intense.

WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE RINK TO PLAY IN AND WHY?

Madison Capitols arena, not the nicest place to play a game, fan base is small, and not the most clean ice rink.

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