Koberstein – NHL Central Scouting

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NHL Central Scouting released the Final Rankings for the 2014 NHL Entry Draft on Tuesday morning. Olds Grizzlys Nikolas Koberstein has been selected in the Central Scouting's final rankings after going under the radar in the mid season rankings. The 6'2 200lb Barrhead, Alberta native came to the Olds Grizzlys at the end of their 2012-2013 season attending their annual spring camp. “We knew there was something special the moment he stepped on the ice” said Grizzlys head coach Brett Hopfe. After the camp the Grizzly coaching staff met with Nikolas and his parents to discuss becoming a Grizzly. “We like to meet with the parents so they can get to know us and feel comfortable with the decision process” said Hopfe. Nikolas had prior commitments to attend other spring camps. “We encourage players to attend other camps. We as a coaching staff feel very strong with the identity and culture that us and the players are creating here that we want kids to go and experience other camps. We want them to make their decisions becasue they are informed and to make sure we are the right fit for them.” said Hopfe. “When Nik called us to tell us he had chosen olds we were ecstatic” stated Hopfe. ” We knew we would give him a place to play and develop but the rest would be up to him. We didn't guarantee him ice time or anything, we simply told him if he comes to play like he did in spring camp and has a great summer off the ice, he will play! Any accolades that Nik has achieved has not been because of us, it's all him. He was at practice on the ice an hour early everyday working with our coaches on skills, staying late after practicing getting coaches to work on things with him. His mind was a sponge, he never stopped learning and wanting to be the best player on the ice” said Hopfe. Nikolas was drafted by Regina of the WHL and elected to play in the AJHL so he could go after a NCAA scholarship, and he did just that. Early in the season schools came knocking on the door. “The thing about Nik is that what he is on the ice is half of what he is in the dressing room as a leader. This year as a 17 year old the team looked up to him….we looked up to him as coaches. We put the responisbility of a 20 year old on his shoulders night in and out!!” said Assistant Coach and Manager of Player Development Dana Lattery. Nikolas signed with Alaska Faribanks of the WCHA in the NCAA and will be attending in 2015-2016 futher assuring his decision to play JR A with the Olds Grizzlys. “Nik deserves this opportunity to have a chance at being drafted into the big leagues. We are very lucky to have him back next year. “said Hopfe. We asked Nikolas what it feels like to be ranked in NHL Central Scouting “It is definitely an awesome feeling, extremely cool. Although you can't let that get to your head. Really, at this point, it doesnt mean anything.” Olds Grizzlys spring camp is this weekend April 11-13. Who will be next?