Ethan Wyttenbach is eager to secure his place in the NHL spotlight.
This talented Flames draft pick, currently shining at Quinnipiac, is preparing for his moment by entering a pivotal second collegiate season. As he continues to captivate the hockey community with his skills, he also eyes the chance to represent Team USA in post-Christmas tournaments.
“I aim to play one more year before moving to Calgary at the season’s end,” the Roslyn native expressed to The Post before returning to college life.
Returning to Quinnipiac, the winger reflects on a remarkable season with the Bobcats that left a lasting impression.
Eschewing the typical freshman experience, Wyttenbach emerged as a powerhouse, leading the NCAA with 59 points, earning the title of rookie of the year, and securing a spot among the top 10 finalists for the prestigious Hobey Baker Award.
“I feel way better than I did last year, and I’m just hoping to replicate it — plus a little bit,” he said.
Flame on!
Wyttenbach got a taste of the show this summer while at Flames rookie camp, which he was restricted from last year due to injury.
“Just getting a second chance to meet the guys, build better relationships with the staff” were all huge confidence boosters, he said. “It was cool to see the fans there … just looking forward to building my roots there.”
Wyttenbach, a fifth-round pick in 2025, has also skated this summer with a future Calgary teammate way closer to home on the island, working out with Flames star Matthew Coronato of Greenlawn.
“I skated with him pretty much every day, and we worked out together,” Wyttenbach said. “It was great to learn from him in any way I can and just build that relationship with him. The goal is to be teammates with him at the end of this year.”
Play ‘Free Bird’
The Nassau County sensation also showed his skills on the global stage with Team USA this summer during the World Junior Summer Showcase, notching eight points in four games — five of them goals.
His next goal is making America’s roster for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship at the end of the year and into January.
“It’s cool to wear the jersey in the summer, but it’s not the real thing,” Wyttenbach said. “I’m just trying to earn my spot on the team in December and see what I can do to help the team in any way I can.”
Afterward, the plan is playoff redemption with his Bobcats, who fell to North Dakota in the regional round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
“I’m excited for a second chance at winning a national championship — and just being back with the guys,” he said.
That and taking home the Hobey this time.
“Those would combine for a pretty good sophomore year,” he said, laughing.
The whirlwind success is also humbling Wyttenbach, who is still getting used to kids coming up for autographs and pictures after games.
“It’s definitely still a little bit new to me, being so young, but it’s just really cool,” he said.
Wyttenbach recalled his own adolescence, when he aspired to be like Rangers Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox from Jericho and Bruins Olympic gold medalist Charlie McAvoy from Long Beach.
“I kind of understand what it’s like to be in their shoes now and just try and be as good of a role model as I can,” he said.
Now Wyttenbach is doing his best not to get caught offside between dwelling on past success and future ambitions.
“I’m really happy with where I’m at,” he said. “So, just trying to take it little by little — and I’ll see what happens.”