Minisink Valley graduate Nick Abruzzese has spent part of this summer hitting the books, working on his bachelor’s degree at Harvard, while training.

In a few months, Abruzzese will be hitting the boards, hopefully in the NHL. The 26-year-old signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning last month and is expected to get a shot to make the team out of training camp, which begins next month.

“I think the biggest thing for me is that Tampa Bay reached out and showed a lot of interest,” Abruzzese, a forward, said. “They haven’t promised anything, but they will give me an opportunity to make the team if I play well. I would love to grab a spot, but Tampa Bay’s AHL (American Hockey League) team is in Syracuse, which is also intriguing.”

Abruzzese appeared in 71 games for the AHL’s Toronto Marlies last season and put up 15 goals and 43 points. He has played in a total of 211 career AHL games, all with the Marlies, scoring 47 goals and 143 points. Abruzzese represented Team USA at the 2022 Olympic Games while an undergraduate at Harvard and made his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs in April of 2022.

Abruzzese has played a total of 11 NHL contests, posting a goal and two assists. However, while flourishing in the AHL, Abruzzese hasn’t played in the NHL in two years.

“I am super grateful to play professional hockey, and I don’t take anything for granted,” said Abruzzese, who was selected by Toronto in the fourth round (124th overall) of the 2019 NHL Draft. “But everyone’s dream is to play at the highest level against the highest caliber of player. I have done well in the AHL, and I have improved on some things. I hope that translates on the ice. I’m just excited to go show that I can play in the NHL and hopefully stick as a regular.”

Abruzzese is close with his family and still visits Slate Hill a few times a year. He will stop in Orange County before Tampa Bay’s training camp. Abruzzese said his parents, William and Andrea, are his “biggest motivation” because “of all that they sacrificed for me.”

“As a kid, you might be a little naive and not realize that hockey isn’t a cheap sport,” Abruzzese said. “My parents let me continue my dreams, and that means everything to me.”

Abruzzese has three siblings: Emily, 24, Victoria, 22, and Mia, 18. Mia Abruzzese was Minisink Valley’s salutatorian this year and was a standout on the varsity lacrosse team. Like her brother, Mia will be lacing up the skates this year, playing hockey at Nazareth College in Rochester.

“I’m sure Mia will get a kick out of me saying good things about her,” Nick Abruzzese said. “Being the youngest sibling, she had to make the most sacrifices, being dragged to hockey rinks and dance studios. I’m glad she is getting a chance to play in college. It is hard for hockey players around her, especially girls. I’m proud of her and I know she will do a great job.”