Dylan Gambrell is returning to Colorado.

A Seattle native and former member of the Colorado Thunderbirds AAA program, Gambrell will begin his NCAA Division I career at the University of Denver this fall.

The past three seasons, the forward suited up for the United States Hockey League’s (USHL) Dubuque Fighting Saints.

Gambrell, who won’t turn 19 until late August, said toiling in the USHL was pivotal in helping him realize his dream of playing college hockey.

“Playing with and against a lot of good players you’ll see again in college definitely impacts your game,” Gambrell said. “I was also very lucky to play in such a great place and for such a great organization.

“For me, the choice to go to school at DU was fairly easy. I love the area, the school and they have a great hockey program.”

In his three years with the Fighting Saints, Gambrell skated in 172 games, collecting 39 goals and 69 assists along the way. He was also part of their Clark Cup-winning team during his first season in 2012-13.

Gambrell also noted the importance of his seasoning with the Thunderbirds.

“I think the way they develop players is huge,” he said. “With all the exposure you get going to different places and playing in different tournaments, there are always a lot of people watching.”

And Gambrell is nothing but excited to get his Division I career started.

“Being away from home for so long, it’s nice to be back this summer with family and friends and enjoying time with them,” Gambrell said. “But I’m also training and skating to prepare myself as much as I can before heading into the season.

“We have a great team and I’m looking forward to getting things going.”

– Matt Mackinder