Dal Colle, Toews Recalled by Islanders

Devon Toews (pictured) and Michael Dal Colle have been recalled from the
Bridgeport Sound Tigers by the parent New York Islanders.

BRIDGEPORT—The New York Islanders announced today forward Michael Dal Colle and defenseman Devon Toews have been recalled from the team’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

A third-year forward, Dal Colle collected 24 points (seven goals, 17 assists) in 60 AHL games last season and earned his first NHL recall in January of 2018, playing four games with the Islanders, including his NHL debut in the club's 7-2 win over the New York Rangers on Jan. 13.

The Woodbridge, Ont., native ranked fifth on the Sound Tigers in scoring as a rookie in 2016-17, producing 41 points (15 goals, 26 assists) in 75 games. He made his pro debut on Apr. 15, 2016 against the Portland Pirates and scored his first pro goal in just his sixth game on Oct. 21, 2016 against the Lehigh Valley Phantoms.

Prior to turning pro, Dal Colle played four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Oshawa Generals and Kingston Frontenacs from 2012-16. He earned 316 points (131 goals, 185 assists) and a plus-76 rating in 246 career games, and helped Oshawa win the 2015 Memorial Cup Championship while playing with Islanders prospect Mitch Vande Sompel. The 6'3, 198-pound forward was also named to the 2015 CHL Memorial Cup All-Star Team in 2014-15 and was selected as an OHL All-Star three times.

Dal Colle has two points (one goal, one assist) and a plus-three rating in 13 games with the Islanders this season, including his first NHL goal on Jan. 17 against the New Jersey Devils. In the AHL, the 22-year-old leads the Sound Tigers in goals (16) and is third in points (28) in 29 contests this year. He participated in the 2019 AHL All-Star Classic in Springfield, Mass. last weekend and finished the All-Star Challenge with one goal, one assist, and one shootout tally. Dal Colle was also named the CCM/AHL Player of the Week for Dec. 9-16 after scoring five goals, including his first pro hat trick and overtime-winner, in just three games. He was selected by the Islanders in the first round (#5 overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft.

Toews, 24, has five points (three goals, two assists) in 15 games with the Islanders this season, including his NHL debut on Dec. 23 against the Dallas Stars. He scored his first NHL goal in overtime on Jan. 3, helping the Islanders defeat the Chicago Blackhawks at NYCB Live.

In the AHL, Toews recorded 19 points (five goals, 14 assists) in 24 games with the Sound Tigers this season, which ranked second among team defensemen and fourth overall at the time of his first NHL recall on Dec. 19. He was also tied for ninth among all AHL defensemen in scoring and 11 of his 19 points have come on the power play, which leads the Sound Tigers and is tied for third-most among AHL blue-liners.

A third-year pro, Toews spent each of the past two seasons in the AHL, collecting 67 points (13 goals, 54 assists) in 106 games with the Sound Tigers. He was named to the AHL's All-Rookie team at the completion of the 2016-17 season after he led all rookie defensemen in scoring and finished fourth in the league amongst all defensemen. Toews represented the Sound Tigers at the 2017 AHL All-Star Classic and won the fastest skater competition.

Prior to turning pro, Toews played three seasons with the Quinnipiac University Bobcats. He had a career year in his third and final season at Quinnipiac, recording seven goals and 23 assists for 30 points in 40 games. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound blue-liner posted 67 points (12-55-67) in 108 collegiate games and helped the Bobcats to the National Championship game in 2016.

Selected by the Islanders in the fourth round (108th overall) of the 2014 NHL Draft, Toews played for the Surrey Eagles in the British Columbia Hockey League for two seasons before joining the collegiate ranks. The Abbotsford, B.C., native won the BCHL Championship in 2013 and was given the Coastal Conference's Defensive Award as the best defenseman.

On Deck

The Sound Tigers will host the Lehigh Valley Phantoms tomorrow night in their first game back from the 2019 All-Star Break. First puck drops at 7 p.m. at Webster Bank Arena. The game will be streamed on the Sound Tigers Radio Network, and can be viewed live via AHLTV. Pre-game coverage is set to begin at 6:45 p.m.

Upcoming Promos

The Sound Tigers offer an extensive promotional schedule, including Hockey Weekend in Connecticut (Feb. 23-24), Hockey and Hops (St. Patrick’s Day, Mar. 17) and Princess Night (Mar. 30). To view a complete promotion schedule, HERE.

For additional details or to reserve a group outing for any giveaway or theme night, please call the Sound Tigers' front office at (203) 345-2300 ext 7.

—Staff Reports