Athabasca hockey star Keegan Kanzig was chosen by the Calgary Flames in the third round of the NHL entry draft Sunday.
He was chosen 67th overall — a surprising leap from his place on the top prospects lists released by NHL Central Scouting and hockey analysts throughout the year.
“I was ranked to be called 112, so I moved up quite a few spots,” Kanzig said. “It is exciting. Every team goes through 30 picks a round, and I got picked sooner than expected.”
Kanzig was watching the draft and was thrilled when his name was called.
“I almost jumped through the roof I was so excited,” Kanzig said. “To see my name called, especially with an organization close to home, and such a good organization that is looking to rebuild — I have nothing but good feelings, and I am looking forward to the future.”
Kanzig was home with his friends and family on the day of the draft.
“I would like to thank all my family and friends for all the support,” he said. “It has been a long road to get here, and it will be a long road to get to where I want to be, but so far I have had a lot of support from friends in Athabasca and other places I have lived.”
As for the team that chose him, Kanzig said the Flames were on his list of teams he hoped to be chosen by.
“Calgary was one of the teams because it is close to home, and they are rebuilding,” he said.
Kanzig said he will attend a development camp for the team starting July 10.
“I will have to go skate and show my stuff,” he explained. “From there, I have to earn a spot on the team.”
Although the Calgary Flames have chosen Kanzig, there is no guarantee he will play for the team.
“I am not necessarily going up to the team right away, but it is possible to play more years in major junior hockey,” he said. “The goal is to make it to the NHL as soon as possible.”
Kanzig currently plays in the Western Hockey League for the Victoria Royals.
The native of Athabasca became a mainstay on the blue-line for the Royals in 2011–12. Opposing players found entering the Royals’ offensive zone to be no easy chore when the big defenceman was on the ice.
The no-frills style of stay-at-home, physical defence that Kanzig plays doesn’t typically show up on the score sheet, but he continues to become more of a force.
