By Alexis Demopoulos
New Jersey Hitmen forward Colby Dobek is thankful for his time in the NCDC as it has helped earn him a NCAA Division III commitment to Tufts University for the 2025-26 season.
“I think the league showcases are a big part of the recruiting process, as they allow for an enormous turnout of college coaches,” said Dobek. “The league does a great job putting those events together to give all the players a positive experience.”
The Buffalo, N.Y., native spent the majority of this season with the Worcester Railers JHC where he had 24 points (12 goals, 12 assists) in 34 games played. In February, he became a member of the Hitmen where he has four points in nine games with his new team.
Dobek started communicating with the Tufts coaching staff in early October after they saw him play in the Hitmen Showcase in New Jersey. He explained that the coaches liked his “speed and skill set to make plays in all three zones.”
Dobek always dreamed of playing college hockey and after he visited the campus and got a feel of how it would be, he knew Tufts was the place for him. He can get a top-notch education while also playing hockey. Dobek plans to major in economics to pursue something in the business field.
“I was able to catch a game before my visit and get a feel for how tightknit the team was,” he said. “The culture within the school itself and the hockey team was something that intrigued me from the jump. Everyone made me feel welcomed and like I was one of their own. Tufts give me the opportunity to achieve my goal of playing college hockey and attaining a world class education.”
Dobek feels the best parts of his game are his speed and being able to create off the rush, but he has things he wants to work on before next season begins.
“The transition part of my game is something that I really thrive off of,” said Dobek. “I am going to continue playing a 200-foot game as well as getting in the weight room to prepare for the older competition.”
Dobek is hoping to finish off his juniors career strong with the Hitmen and achieve the goal of winning a Dineen Cup. Right now, the Hitmen are 26-15-4-0 in the Atlantic Division and have already clinched a playoff position.
“I’m excited to make a serious playoff push on a new team,” said Dobek. “As a new guy, I just want to come in and do what I can to help the group continue to win games and build towards the ultimate goal.”
The NCDC congratulates Colby Dobek, his family, the Jersey Hitmen and Tufts University for his commitment.
