The '03 native of Sun Valley, ID is in his second season with HCRI, and over the course of 87 career games in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL), Speth has tallied 17 points to his credit on four goals and 13 assists.

"It has been a pleasure watching Colby grow as a young man and excel on the ice since first meeting back in 2018," said HCRI head coach James Mello. "I am proud of the journey he has taken to get to this point from growing up in a small market in Idaho, and incredibly honored that his path came through Rhode Island. This includes his younger brother, Dawson [2006], who was fortunate enough to play with Colby in his final year of junior hockey. Colby Speth has established himself as one of the top defensemen in the EHL and will go on to be an impact player at the NCAA level. Coach [Kyle] Richards is getting an elite competitor and an incredible human being. Congratulations to Colby and the entire Speth family who have supported him throughout the process."

As Mello mentioned, Colby's brother Dawson joined HCRI this season, and both members of the Speth family were named EHL All-Stars back in October. While Dawson played for EHL's Main All-Star Team up in New York, Colby was selected to the Central/South Team that hit the ice against Stevenson University and Lebanon Valley College. That experience, combined with everything else that Speth has gained throughout his time in the league, has him feeling ready to go at the next level.

"I’m very excited to further my athletic and academic career at Castleton University," said Speth. "I knew Castleton was the right place for me and I can’t wait for what's ahead during my next four years as a Spartan. First, I’d like to thank Coach Mello, Coach [Nick] Delgallo, and Toby O’Brien for always believing in me. They have pushed me to become the person and player that I am today. I’d also like to thank my family, my teammates at HCRI, and Sun Valley Youth Hockey for all the support along the way."

The pride and appreciation for Speth is felt throughout the HCRI program, including with O'Brien, the general manager of the team.

"I have known Colby since day #1 in Sun Valley, Idaho back in 2017," said O'Brien. "My son Chad had just begun working with the Sun Valley Youth Hockey back then and continually said 'we have to do something with Colby…Colby just keeps getting better.' He was 100% right! To think of the journey Colby has taken and the growth as a player, but more so a person, is incredible; his story is what junior hockey should be about! Getting where you want to, by doing it the old fashion way, not running all over and falsely chasing things. Congrats Colby!"

Check out the full 2023-24 NCAA commitment list.