Ethan Wyttenbach is eager for the moment when his NHL opportunity finally arrives.
The Calgary Flames draft pick and Quinnipiac standout is heading into his sophomore season with a clear purpose: sharpen his game for the next level, keep building on a breakout year and potentially earn a post-Christmas chance to represent the United States on the international stage.
“The goal is to play one more year and then head to Calgary at the end of the season,” the Roslyn native told The Post before returning to campus.
The young winger goes back to Quinnipiac, located just north of New Haven, with plenty of momentum after a sensational first season with the Bobcats.
Instead of easing into college hockey, Wyttenbach exploded onto the NCAA scene, leading the nation with 59 points, earning rookie of the year honors and landing among the top 10 finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, college hockey’s most prestigious individual prize.
“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!
This summer also gave Wyttenbach a valuable first-hand look at the Flames organization during rookie camp, an experience he missed the previous year because of an injury.
He said the chance to reconnect with players, get more familiar with the staff and experience the energy around the franchise gave him another boost. “It was cool to see the fans there … just looking forward to building my roots there,” Wyttenbach said.
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.”
