Delia's persistence paying off

One would imagine that approaching Collin Delia to discuss his recent success would result in smiles. Rather, you are greeted more stoically. While the work he has put in warrants the attention, he knows it is a long process to reach his ultimate goal.
"Yesterday's successes get erased when you fall asleep," Delia said. "You wake up the next morning and it starts all over again. Having that mindset moving forward has really helped my development."

It's the same conviction that elevated him to his current position after impressing Blackhawks scouts and coaches at the team's prospect camps, resulting in a two-year entry-level contract offer last July.
In his past 15 starts dating back to Jan. 6, he has posted a 10-2-3 record. In two of his past three tilts, he has been basically unbeatable.
Delia picked up wins nine and 10 of his run in a 38-save, 2-1 victory over Texas, and a 33-save shutout of Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The play earned him recognition as the AHL Player of the Week.
He spent the beginning of the season focused on his development as a professional goalie, working with Blackhawks Developmental Goaltending Coach Peter Aubry and getting as much ice time as possible. This process called for him to travel back and forth between the AHL and Chicago's ECHL affiliate, the Indy Fuel.
The moves tested the young goalie, but his ability to handle hardship impressed those monitoring his progress.
"Collin's been fantastic right from the beginning of the year when he was doing a lot of shuffling between cities" said Blackhawks GM of Minor League Affiliations Mark Bernard. "We were using him to practice at the American League level with Aubry, and then he would go down to Indy and play some games."
Aubry believes these obstacles have been a positive for his young pupil.
"I think he's certainly benefited from many different challenges that have been presented to him this year," Aubry said. "He was moving around regularly to start the season. He's gotten through that and continues to give his all every day and maintain an even keel with the process."
With so much movement came a change in Delia's approach to the game.
"I think initially there was so much pressure I was putting on myself to get these amazing numbers and have all these tremendous stats, but in the end it really clouds your vision," Delia said. "I retuned my mindset a little bit to just enjoying playing."
Aubry, who Delia credits as paramount to his success, sees the consistent improvements.
"He keeps getting better and he's going to do what's necessary," Aubry said. "If there's an area that's not quite where it needs to be, he will give that area attention."
Now the persistence and work ethic is beginning to yield results.
"I think there's been more battle to his game and he's tracking pucks, that's a big step for him this year," Aubry noted. "He is finding pucks and reading the play, which is adding a level of efficiency to his game."
Delia is also developing a level of confidence that will help lead to future success.
"He has performed at a high level these past few games. If he can continue this on a day-to-day basis he is confident that he can play at the NHL level," Aubry said.
One of the highlights to the early part of Delia's season was Rockford's January tilt in Ontario, Calif.
As a native of Rancho Cucamonga, Delia got to take the ice just five minutes from the house where he grew up.
"I probably had about 120 friends and family in the crowd," Delia added. "Initially there was some nervous energy, but once the game started I settled in and played. It was a pretty special experience."
Those there to see their hometown goalie even got in the team spirit as they cheered on Delia and the visiting IceHogs. He made 33 saves to help secure a Rockford victory in front of his personal fan club.
With a potential trip to the playoffs on the horizon for Rockford, the young goalie should get the opportunity to display his talents in high pressure situations.
"The most successful goalies enjoy what they do night in and night out and that's why they have long careers," Delia said. "I want the same thing for my career, so I will continue to enjoy the process and put myself in a position to succeed."