TORONTO, Ont – Following the departure of Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Tomas Kaberle, attention turned to the future of the franchise and latest acquisition Joe Colborne. Part of the Kaberle deal with the Boston Bruins, the 6’5” Colborne, currently in his first professional season, headed straight to the AHL to suit up for the Marlies as they welcomed division rivals, the Grand Rapid Griffins.
Drafted in the first round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft (16th overall) the young centre racked up 32 goals in two seasons at the University of Denver in the WCHA league before making his pro debut for the Providence Bruins this season scoring 12 goals in 55 games. Shortly following the announcement of the trade Colborne headed to the Ricoh Coliseum to join up with the AHL Marlies only as a spectator following a delay in paperwork to see his new club lose 4-3 to the Hamilton Bulldogs.
Colborne didn’t have to wait long for his home debut as the Marlies faced off in an afternoon game next day against the Griffiths.
Slotting onto the second line Colborne soon saw his name on the score sheet with a debut goal in the second period as a Marlie in front of a delighted 5077 fans in attendance to get the Marlies back into the game after trailing 2-0.
Not to be out done, prospect Nazem Kadri racked up his 12th goal of the season to tie the game 2-2 heading to the end of the second. The comeback was short lived as Griffins left winger Tomas Tatar gave the visitors the lead.
Greg Scott pulled the Marlies level early in the third sending the game to overtime which drew a blank. Penalty shots prevailed with John Mitchell, Joe Colborne and Mike Zigomanis all slotting home to give the Marlies a 4-3 shoot out victory and the extra point.
Contact the author at Kevin.oconnor@prohockeynews.com
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