By Izabela Gage
Sports Editor
Playing 100 games of ice hockey in four seasons may sound exhausting for some, but for Ashton Collazo, it’s only the beginning.
On Feb. 20, Collazo skated in his 100th career game at Framingham State University.
But his record didn’t end there. In the last game of the 2024-25 season on Feb. 22, Collazo was one of the starting five players and wrapped up his college career at a total of 101 games - tying FSU’s all-time record, previously held by Marc MacDonald, class of ’86.
Collazo said he has officially signed with the Blue Ridge Bobcats, a professional hockey team based in Wytheville, Virginia. “I haven't really set too many goals yet. I just really want to get my feet wet and see where I stack up against the rest of the pro-competition. … I just want to keep moving up.”
Originally from Victor, New York, Collazo began skating at 3 years old. He said he was introduced to hockey through a local “Learn to Play” program, following in the footsteps of his older brother.
From early days at his hometown rink to playing junior league hockey with the Seacoast Spartans in Exeter, New Hampshire, Collazo said his journey was driven by a simple goal - to compete at the highest level possible.
Collazo said Head Coach Michael Bailey was a big factor in committing to Framingham State. “Sometimes, it can be hard to find a very genuine coach who tells it how it is, and he was really straight up with me.”
He added having a campus that is easy to navigate also played a part in finding the perfect school for him. “The school itself was a very beautiful campus, and it's simple. … I appreciate how easy it was to know where everything was.”
Collazo said taking on the role of team captain was not something he had initially expected. "I wasn't a captain of any junior teams because I played for a new team each year, so it was hard to be a captain.
“Around junior year, when my peers selected me as an assistant captain, I was like, ‘OK, I might be a captain my senior year,’ given that it was me and another junior who were assistant captains. It wasn't until my last year here that I saw that coming,” he added.
Collazo described his leadership style as simply leading by example. “I want guys to see what I do and mimic it. I tried to be the best role model I could.”
Jake Barcelou, a teammate and one of his assistant captains, said, “Ashton leads by example every single day. He was always doing the right things off the ice and he was not only a really good player, but a great person and teammate as well.”
Patrick Colgan, Collazo’s former captain, said, “He’s been producing consistently on the ice since he arrived at FSU. He brings a determined work ethic to the team culture, which is contagious.”
Despite the team’s 3-19-3 overall record this year, Collazo said the team has been improving year by year. “My freshman year, we won two games plus the playoff game. Next year, we won five. The next year after that, we won eight. And then this year, I think we had [six] wins.
“I don't think that really reflects how well we did as a team. I think the guys in the locker room know next year and in years to come that the team's only going to get better,” he added.
Athletic Director Thomas Kelley said, “I think their record wasn't indicative of how hard they played.”
Collazo said he worked to build a team culture of hard work and dedication.
He said the team’s offseason training has evolved during his time at FSU.
“When I first came to Framingham, our workout schedule wasn't as dedicated in the off-season, and we didn't skate as much for [captain practices]. … Then in my sophomore, junior, and senior years, we started to try to turn the culture around.
“One thing I hope that they continue to do is starting in the first week of September, being on the ice four days a week as a team, and then have three lifts a week as well,” he added.
Collazo said the team participated in youth hockey events, including skating with local under-9 teams. “A lot of them think we're the Bruins, which is nice. We're a little bit away from them. But it's stuff like that that keeps the kids excited and hopefully generates more excitement about hockey in general.”
Kelley said everyone could see Collazo’s work ethic and the effort he was putting in, even off the ice. “It’s clear he’s a hard worker. … Nobody worked as hard as he did and he has left a lasting impression.”
Bailey said he can’t thank Collazo enough for his dedication and his contributions, both as a player and a leader. “Ashton has been a tremendous asset to our hockey team and FSU community since his arrival four years ago. He certainly left the team better than he found it.”
Colgan said he was happy for Collazo to reach 100 games in his college career. “It’s a great accomplishment that shows all the time and effort he’s put into being able to stay healthy and play in every game.”
Kelley said, “I’m just proud of him, and I can't thank him enough for his diligence and loyalty.”
Barcelou said Collazo’s impact on the team will be felt long after his graduation.
He added, “He was always one of the hardest-working guys on the ice and in the gym. … Ashton’s dedication and motivation to be the best he could be every single day will definitely leave a lasting impact on the players returning to the team next year.”
Colgan said, “I think it’s great for young players coming into a college program to see the alumni playing pro hockey. It sets a path for them as well as builds their confidence knowing that they can achieve that goal for themselves.”
Collazo said he connected with Johnny Baker, a former teammate who has been playing professionally in Italy, and got in touch with his agent.
He said Baker’s agent “gave me the contact of a team in Virginia … and this past Sunday, I drove down. It was a no-brainer for me. I was like, ‘Let's go see what this is all about.’”
Having signed with the Blue Ridge Bobcats, Collazo will be reunited with Colgan as two rookies on a brand new team.
Colgan said, “Having so much playing experience with Ashton, I think we have good chemistry on and off the ice, which helps a lot.”
He added it’s an exciting opportunity as they can be successful together as teammates after college.
Barcelou said the entire Framingham State men’s team is very proud of Collazo. “Ashton was a great leader and teammate and we will all miss him next year. I know he is going to be successful in his next chapter.”
Bailey said, “He will be sorely missed but believe that his example will be continued by the next leadership group for our team.”
He added, “There is no doubt that Ashton will be successful with whatever he decides to do in the future.”