Being drafted is never a bad thing.
For Nikolas Koberstein, growing up and living in Barrhead has cemented some of the most important traits that have made the next step in his hockey career a reality.
On the evening of May 5, Koberstein received a phone call from the president of the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League. The Pats had drafted Koberstein in the seventh round of the Western Hockey League entry draft.
“We watched the draft on the Internet, and when it came to the seventh round, it showed my name. The manager called me after I was drafted saying, ‘we’re proud to choose you, we’re hoping you can play on our team, and we think you have a great future ahead,’” said Koberstein.
Six teams in total were interested in the young defenceman.
Koberstein stands just over six feet and weighs about 160 pounds. His playing style is that of a stay-at-home defenceman, relying on his size and ability to make a clean, crisp pass out of his own end.
“I try to make a good first-pass to help get the puck out. I work hard at trying not to get beat by using my size as much as I can, and I try to help offensively as much as I can. I do have to work on my skating, but this is just one step,” said Koberstein.
Two years ago, Koberstein participated in a try out for the Spruce Grove PAC Saints ‘AAA’ bantam team, thinking he wouldn’t be considered for the team.
“I tried out for the team as a first-year player, and thought I never had a hope to make it. But I just kept on trying, and I ended up making the team. Then I just made some more goals, and kept working hard, and I ended up getting drafted. It was so awesome, I dreamed about that two years ago, and now I’m in that position,” said Koberstein.
Throughout this off-season and previous ones, Koberstein has remained focused on his craft as a hockey player. He trains regularly.
“I have one trainer down in Spruce Grove, and he takes me through a heart rate and physicality test. My other trainer is in the city, and he takes me through the technical and skills side of the game. Plus, I train at the gym in Barrhead,” said Koberstein.
Koberstein will be taking a trip to Regina, Sask. on May 27, where he will be involved in a three-day camp with the Pats.
“They take you on a tour of the school, the dressing rooms and the arena. It’s a good chance to see what the club is like. We’ll be on the ice as well, and I think it’s to show you what it takes to make it to the next level,” said Koberstein.
If Koberstein can crack the Pats’ roster, it will be a comfort for the young defenceman to know that he’ll be playing for a team that is close to his home in Barrhead.
“It’ll be nice to be so close to home, but I was just really happy to be drafted,” said Koberstein.
Koberstein started skating when he was four years old, and had his first hockey game when he was five. This was recognition for a lot of hard work, said Nikolas’ father, Brian Koberstein.
“As a father I am very proud. He works very hard, and it’s good to see him rewarded. He realizes that it takes far more than just talent. It makes me happy because we’ve seen a commitment from him. He’ll shoot pucks in the garage for hours by himself, and he’ll work out in the basement. I am pleased seeing him achieve his goals. I’ve seen his development as a person, which is the most important thing out of all of this,” said Brian Koberstein
Another notable seventh-round pick of the Pats was Jordan Eberle of the Edmonton Oilers. He was drafted by the Pats in 2005.
“It’s so cool to be drafted in the same round that Eberle was drafted,” said Koberstein.
Koberstein finished the 2010/11 season with the Spruce Grove PAC Saints, racking up four goals and 19 assists for 23 points through 28 games.
“I’m very excited. I mean, just to be drafted right now is just exciting. I hope I can keep on improving, and I’ll be doing as much work as I can to get where I need to be,” said Koberstein.
