A local hockey player has attained his lifelong dream after being drafted to the NHL on Saturday, June 28, 2014.
Nikolas Koberstein, 18-years-old, was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens organization in the fifth round, 125th overall in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft on Saturday.
Nikolas spent last year playing for the Olds Grizzlys of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). In 51 games last season, the defenceman amassed 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) along with 153 penalty minutes. He was ranked 205th among North American skaters by Central Scouting.
Monica, Nikolas’ mother, explained what it was like when she first heard the news.
“At first, it was a feeling of is this for real? It was a surreal experience so it was kind of a crazy morning on Saturday,” said Monica.
Monica went on to say that she and her husband Bryan are very proud of Nikolas.
“I can’t even express the level of pride. The reason I say that is Nikolas has worked very hard and has sacrificed so much to get to this level and every other level he has played at up until this point. It has taken a huge commitment on his part and he has never balked at the sacrifices he has made,” said Monica. “The level of pride we have is for his diligence and dedication in achieving his dream. His work ethic is something we are especially proud of.”
Monica added that Nikolas has only taken the first step to playing in the NHL, but she is very happy he has achieved that first step.
“He is drafted but he still has a long way to go. Now it is about his commitment towards his development,” she said. “We are happy because he is happy, not necessarily because he was drafted by the Canadiens. Our happiness isn’t because our kid did it, our happiness is because he worked very hard for something he wanted and he achieved it.”
Nikolas will spend the rest of the week in Montreal at the Canadiens’ development camp and then head back home to Barrhead. As of press time, Nikolas is expected to play one more year with the Grizzlys in the AJHL.
Check out an upcoming edition of the Leader for a full story on Nikolas.
