Three Seasons a Whirlwind for Fabbri
October 5, 2015 - Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Guelph Storm News Release
Robby Fabbri quickly became a name to remember for the Guelph Storm, and with that came experiences that fostered a to-be NHL talent.
Steph Coratti, GuelphStorm.com ---
147 games.
That's all it took for Robby Fabbri to cement himself in Guelph Storm history.
Spanning three seasons, the former first round (sixth overall) pick in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection became one of the most offensively dominant the organization has seen through it's 25 year tenure, earning recognition as the tenth best forward of all time.
General Manager Mike Kelly, Robby Fabbri, and former Guelph Storm head coach Scott Walker welcoming the sixth overall pick in the 2012 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection to the team.
Although, before point totals surpassed the point-per-game average, before number nine was deservingly awarded with MVP honours following the 2014 OHL Playoffs, and before the name Fabbri became one of the biggest threats on the ice, the five-foot-ten, 178-pound centre was simply a rookie among an outstanding core Storm line up that would be one year away from a championship season.
"Coming to a team with great leaders and a tight group made it a lot easier," Fabbri remembered of his transition to the OHL in 2012-13. "[Finn], [McGinn], and [Kosmachuk] were all guys I turned to throughout the year and were always there helping me along the way."
Through 59 games as a major junior freshman, Fabbri would register 10 goals for 33 points, while recording one assist in five postseason contests - numbers that don't stray from the average rookie.
Fabbri would turn into anything but average, however, with his sophomore season becoming the stage.
"I didn't change anything really," the Mississauga, Ontario native said of the difference between his preparations as a rookie and onwards. "I just knew how big of a year it was for my career, and how much I had to dial in every practice, game, and workout."
Focus was evidently key, with Fabbri recording an impressive 45 goals for 87 points through 58 games played in 2013-14, a year that would see the Storm atop the standings as a historic roster.
History, however, was made in the playoffs, as the Storm moved through to become Ontario Hockey League champions with Fabbri at the forefront with 28 points (13 goals, 15 assists) in 16 games.
Those numbers would see Fabbri's name added to a long list of game changing talents on the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as the Most Valuable Player of the playoffs.
OHL commissioner David Branch awarding Robby Fabbri with the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award as the Most Valuable Player of the 2014 Playoffs.
"Seeing the list of all the names that have won the trophy in the past was neat to go through," Fabbri remembered of the honour. "It's a very tough and special trophy to win so being able to accomplish that means a lot."
Although, it wasn't the awards and recognition that made 2013-14 great for Fabbri - it, instead, extends into the group that would very much embody the organization's memorable 'Brothers' hashtag throughout the run.
"It was just about how much fun the guys had together around the rink and away from it," Fabbri explained. "We were such a tight group and we made great memories together."
Following an unforgettable year, capped off with the St. Louis Blues selecting Fabbri 21st overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, the now third-year veteran would face a rollercoaster of a season.
Suiting up for only 30 games through 2014-15, Fabbri would suffer a high ankle sprain at the 2015 World Junior Championships, earning a gold medal with Team Canada.
Fabbri as a member of Team Canada's 2015 World Junior Championship gold medal-winning squad.
The highs and the lows are looked upon now, though, as nothing less than a necessary lesson.
"Not only hockey, but life is going to be full of ups and downs," Fabbri explained. "Building character and being able to stay positive through the lows, and learning to control the highs is going to bring you a long way."
147 games.
That's all it took for Fabbri to cram in a whirlwind of accomplishments, development, and overall growth as a young star looking towards a successful professional career.
But it wasn't the 171 points, MVP honours, a gold medal with Team Canada, or an OHL championship that has made being a member of the Guelph Storm what it's been thus far.
For number nine, the experience of pulling on the crimson sweater is much bigger than that.
"I will always value the great memories and friendships I've made along the way," Fabbri explained, adding that he's grateful to have come across so many great teammates, coaches, and fans, with a special thanks to his billet family. "There's no way I can single out one guy that has made junior what it's been for me."
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Robby Fabbri
Guelph Storm, 2012-Present
OHL Totals: 147 games played, 80 goals, 91 assists, 171 points
Playoffs: 30 games played, 14 goals, 19 assists, 33 points
Awarded as the Most Valuable Player of the 2014 Playoffs with the Wayne Gretzky 99 Award
Named tenth all-time forward in Guelph Storm history
Selected in the first round (21st overall) by the St. Louis Blues in 2014 NHL Entry Draft
Represented Canada in the 2015 World Junior Championships (five games played, two goals, six points)
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