Deven Sideroff’s dream came true after a phone call on a Saturday afternoon.
The Summerland Minor Hockey Association product had his named called by the Anaheim Ducks during the 2015 NHL Entry Draft in Sunrise, Fla.
“I was just at home and had a phone call from my agent telling me that the Ducks picked me 84th overall. It’s a huge accomplishment to get drafted, especially by Anaheim,” said Sideroff, Monday afternoon prior to embarking on a flight to California for the Ducks development camp. “It’s a great organization. Just really thrilled to finally get that rolling.”
Excitement followed and the celebration with family began as they spent time on a boat.
A forward with the Kamloops Blazers, Sideroff said he had a great first season in the Western Hockey League as he earned a spot on the top line play with Penticton’s Matt Needham and Cole Ully, in which he posted 17 goals, 25 assists and 42 points in 64 games. He was named the Blazers Rookie of the Year along with goaltender Connor Ingram.
“Everything went really well. They helped me out through everything,” said Sideroff. “That made the season go really well.”
On the Ducks’ website, director of professional/amateur scouting Martin Madden said Sideroff is a player amateur scout Glen Cochroane and head scout Jeff Crisp really liked.
“At this point, he’s still physically immature, but he’s continuing to grow,” said Madden. “He’s almost at six feet. His progression throughout the season was steady and impressive, both in terms of performance and production. He had a good Under-18 with Team Canada in April. That cemented our view of him as a future offensive player at the pro level. He’s got some ways to go in terms of physical strength, but we’ll take our time with him. He’s a great kid - a hard-working kid. In time, he’ll be able to add the mass and strength he needs.”
Heading to camp, Sideroff just wants to take everything in and enjoy the experience. Prior to joining the Blazers, Sideroff spent two seasons with the Okanagan Hockey Academy playing in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League where he racked up 53 points in 36 games. Sideroff credits his family and everyone he grew up playing hockey with for him getting drafted.
Sideroff is the first player from the Blazers to be selected by the Ducks. In 78 career games with the Blazers, Sideroff has 20 goals and 50 points.