By Warren Kozireski —
It has been five years since the Buffalo Sabres made St. Catharines, Ontario native and former Buffalo Jr. Sabres Matteo Costantini their fifth-round selection in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft. But that does not mean that he has fallen off their radar.
The 6’1”, 195 lb. center is wrapping up his collegiate hockey career by helping lead the Western Michigan Broncos to the first Frozen Four in program history and a championship game title with Boston University as the top seed.
“It’s exciting; you work for this all year…and it’ going to be good,” Costantini said the day before the semi-final. “You always dream about playing in an NHL rink so now we’re here so now I’m going to make the most of it and enjoy the experience.
“Every year that I’ve been here I think I’ve been doing better. (The coaches) got a great plan in place for me to follow and I think it shows with the team’s success.
Costantini wears an “A,” plays in the bumper position on the team’s top power play unit and sees time on the penalty kill and registered 23 points in 39 games this season. He set up the game-winning goal in double overtime in their semi-final win.
“That was a great game; I wish it would have finished a little bit earlier, but that’s an awesome way to win and now we’re looking forward to Saturday,” he said after the semi-final win.
After his two seasons with the Jr. Sabres, Costantini headed to Sioux City in the USHL. Then it was off to North Dakota for two seasons, the first where he was named to the NCHC All-Rookie Team.
“I think this spot just fit me very well; I remember talking with (head coach Pat Ferschweiler) Fersch when I entered the portal and I was, like man, this is a guy that I really want to play for and I’ve really enjoyed my time here and it’s been a lot of fun.”
Costantini was in Sabres Development Camp last July, another indicator that is still on the radar.
“I thought it went good. It’s always nice getting down there and seeing all the staff and organization, meeting all the other prospects so I thought it was a great experience.”
But he and the Broncos have other business to attend to first in St. Louis. Then he hopes to move forward.
“That’s always the goal, the next step, but the focus is tomorrow night. I know (Rochester) is a great spot. Talking with other prospects this summer and they love it there and I know they love the coaching staff and the whole organization is phenomenal. It sounds really cool and great spot to be in and it would be cool to be there.”
(Photos by Western Michigan Athletics/Men’s Hockey)
