Another heavyweight arrives to strengthen Milano's attack: Michael Dal Colle, a Canadian of Italian descent, brings a mix of talent and physical presence, a potential standout for the ICE Hockey League season that will see the rossoblù take the ice at the new Rho Fiera arena.
Born in Richmond Hill, Ontario, on June 20, 1996, Dal Colle is a 191 cm, 88 kg left-shot winger. One of the most promising prospects of his generation, he was selected fifth overall by the New York Islanders at the 2014 NHL Draft, following a junior career filled with accolades: gold at the Hlinka Memorial with Team Canada U18, the OHL title and the Memorial Cup in 2015 with the Oshawa Generals as the team's top scorer. His junior totals are striking: 390 points in 297 games.
With the Islanders organization, Dal Colle made his NHL debut in January 2018: used mainly in a bottom-six, defensively responsible role, he totalled 116 appearances and 21 points across five seasons, during which he shuttled back and forth with the AHL's Bridgeport. With the Islanders' farm club, given more offensive freedom, he racked up 125 points in 220 appearances.
His move to European ice came in 2022: a season wearing the prestigious colours of TPS Turku in Finland (36 appearances, 19 points), before moving to the German DEL under coach Shedden with the Iserlohn Roosters. In one of the most competitive leagues in Europe, Dal Colle returned to an impressive offensive level: 83 points in 97 appearances, a tally that earned him a call-up from Dinamo Minsk in the KHL. That stint proved brief and unfortunate, delivering to Milano one of the most sought-after free agents on the market — physically sound and looking to relaunch his career. He will wear number 91.
With the roster starting to take shape, we check in with coach Doug Shedden, starting with Michael Dal Colle:
"The fans will love him, not just for his roots, but for what he can bring to the ice every night. I know him well — he can guarantee more than 20 goals and be a constant threat for opposing defenses."
The attack will also be able to count on two wingers with impressive résumés, Nick Caamano and Wade Allison:
"They play exactly the way I like — attacking the net and fighting for ground in the dangerous areas of the offensive zone. Two power forwards who can make their presence felt physically as well."
Greg McKegg, meanwhile, could line up as first-line centre:
"What strikes me about him isn't just his technical ability, but his capacity to be decisive in both directions of the game. I've heard a lot of positive things about him as a team player too — a true professional and a strong character. He's hungry to be a difference-maker again."
The blue line will be able to rely on the playmaking of a top player like Alex Grant:
"We're putting him in charge of the power play — he's an exceptional quarterback with a lethal shot. His international experience will also be felt in the locker room: he'll be one of our leaders."
And then there's the group of Italian and Italian-eligible players, still largely to be announced:
"Nick Saracino was the first, and many others will obviously follow. He knows this league very well — he's experienced and complete. He'll give us a big hand."
