CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Colten Ellis spent much of Monday talking with friends and family and thanking them on the day that one of his childhood dreams came true.
The 20-year-old River Denys, N.S., native recently signed his three-year, entry-level contract with the St. Louis Blues. The contract, announced late Monday afternoon, begins with the 2021-22 season.
“I was on the phone basically all day with friends and family, just trying to share the experience with everybody … and say thank you to everybody I could,” Ellis told The Guardian Monday night.
“There’s so many people that contributed to this contract,” he added. “This wasn't just me signing this. I don't know where I would be without my parents and my family. Right from the start, it sounds cliché to say it, but (they were) waking up early to take me to practice.”
Goalie @coltenellis29 has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Blues that will begin with the 2021-22 season. https://t.co/mTt3PnkOBt #stlblues
— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) March 1, 2021
The son of Brian and Jo-ann Ellis grew up in rural Cape Breton. The nearest rink was about 20 minutes away in Whycocomagh. But the rink was forced to close when Ellis was still playing minor hockey, leaving the closest rink about 55 minutes away in Port Hood.
His parents also made the extra effort to ensure he could take part in hockey schools during the off-season.
“It’s pretty incredible that they did that for me,” Ellis said. “You realize, when you get older, how big of a commitment it was for them to do that.”
Jim Hulton wasn’t surprised by the young netminder’s response on Monday.
“One of the most admirable things about him is his humility,” the Isles head coach and general manager said. “That speaks volumes about him. He’s signing his first pro contract and he’s thinking about people other than himself, and that pretty much sums him up.”
Like many children, Ellis grew up thinking about signing an NHL contract.
“It’s nothing that I really thought would ever come true. You hope and you dream about it, and then for it to become a reality, it’s pretty crazy. I can’t even put it into words,” he said.
“I don't think it’s really sunk in yet, it’s kind of been a whirlwind of a day. … It’s definitely encouraging and provides motivation for the rest of the year.”
Ellis was thankful for the Cape Breton Eagles drafting him at the 2016 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) draft and the Rimouski Oceanic for trading for him and giving him the opportunity to succeed.
Need to know
Who – Colten Ellis, a 20-year-old goalie with the Charlottetown Islanders of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL).
The latest – He recently signed a three-year contract with the St. Louis Blues. He was selected in the third round (93rd overall) of the 2019 NHL draft by the Blues.
Did you know? Ellis is tied for second in career shutouts by a QMJHL goalie. He and Alex Dubeau, who played for Shawinigan and Moncton, have 16 – one behind Philippe Cadorette (Baie-Comean and Shawinigan).
2020-21 statistics
W L GAA SAV%
16 1 1.89 .922
Hulton has often described Ellis as a pro on and off the ice since acquiring him in June at the draft. He said it was neat to see a young man, who is genuine and humble, thankful and appreciative, hard-working and a good teammate, sign his first pro deal.
“It’s nice to see kids like that get rewarded because those are the ones that really, really deserve it,” he said. “This is kind of the next step in him achieving his dream, and we’re pretty lucky to be along for the ride.”
Ellis is among the league leaders in wins, shutouts, goals-against average and save percentage. He has accomplished a great deal in major junior but is still chasing the ultimate prize.
“From Day 1, since entering the league, my goal has been to win a championship,” he said. “I know in Charlottetown, here we have a team that can do it.”
Jason Malloy is The Guardian's sports editor. He can be reached by email at [email protected] and followed on Twitter at @SportsGuardian.
