Matt Garbowsky Signs ATO With Americans

The Rochester Institute of Technology’s leading scorer, Matt Garbowsky, has been signed to an amateur tryout with the Buffalo Sabres organization and will report to the AHL’s Rochester Americans as per a team announcement.

Garbowsky was not only the team’s leading scorer but was also their captain, as well as a Hobey Baker finalist. The St. George, Ontario native substantially improved this season scoring 26 goals and 28 assists. His junior season was cut short early due to injury 13 games into the season.

Although it is tough and maybe unnecessary to predict how a full season his junior year could have impacted his development, it is fair to say Garbowsky could have gotten a pro tryout with an NHL team instead of an ATO with the AHL’s Rochester Americans.

Matt Garbowsky (9), celebrates 1 of his 2 goals against Niagara.

Photo Courtesy: uscho.com and Omar Phillips

It is unfortunate to see the nation’s 4th leading scorer to be limited to an amateur tryout, but he wasn’t exactly grabbing attention in the Atlantic Hockey league.

When asked about the possibility for an entry level tryout, Garbowsky told the Democrat and Chronicle, “I thought it was a possibility but I wasn’t counting on it.”

That being said, it would not be the worst idea to bring Garbowsky into an NHL team. He was named the Atlantic Hockey’s Offensive, Defensive, and Overall Player of the Year this past season and in a league where the popularity of possession and advanced analytics is rising, it would not be surprising if Garbowsky eventually lands an NHL deal.

Matt Garbowsky also led the nation in face-off wins and finished 5th in face-off percentage.