Former Grizzlys defenceman looking forward to next level

Now former Olds Grizzlys defencemen and captain Nikolas Koberstein isn't yet sure what to expect when he laces up for the Sioux Falls Stampede in the United States Hockey League (USHL), but he has always been optimistic about his new head coach, Cary Eades.
"I had a good feeling about the coach. He sounded really good; I've heard good things about him," Koberstein said. "He coached at North Dakota for many years. Just sounds like a very good coach and knows what he's doing."
Nikolas Koberstein will not be returning to Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) action this coming season and has committed to play and study at the University of Alaska Fairbanks the year after.
Eades, who is also the general manager for the Stampede, confirmed on Aug. 20 that Koberstein will join his team for the 2014-15 season.
Taylor Medak, the play-by-play announcer for the Sherwood Park Crusaders in the AJHL, first Tweeted on Aug. 5 that the former Grizzlys defenceman would be headed to Sioux Falls.
While Eades would not specify when Koberstein committed to his team, he said the Stampede reached out to the 18-year-old Barrhead resident.
"He's a real good all-around defenceman. He can move the puck, play in all situations and he has a certain physicality and edge to his game," Eades said.
Eades added that the Stampede had known about Koberstein prior to him being drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the fifth round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft, 125th overall.
"Whenever a player gets drafted, that gives them another feather in their cap. We knew of him previous to that and originally, he was going to stay and play in Alberta but he changed his mind and we're happy to have him," he said.
The USHL is the highest level of junior hockey south of the border and Koberstein said multiple teams contacted him, adding he hopes to use this season to develop as a player.
"Just to try and develop with work and time, trying to become a better player throughout the year," he said.
Koberstein finished his rookie campaign this past season, posting five goals, 13 assists and 153 penalty minutes in 51 games played with the Grizzlys.
On April 26 at the team's annual awards banquet, he was named team captain for the coming season.
Of the many routes from junior to collegiate hockey, the USHL is an attractive one for the level of competition, Eades said.
"Our league right now is at a very high level and we have traditionally 15 to 20 players on every team with Division I scholarships so it's a high level of competition," he said.
"The draft picks that come out of our league are examples of that as well as a number of successes as freshmen in college hockey."
Even though the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League (WHL) own Koberstein's major junior rights, he said he chose the USHL to preserve his NCAA eligibility.
The U.S. collegiate sports association considers the CHL to be a professional league and Koberstein's eligibility to the University of Alaska Fairbanks would be revoked if he were to play there.
"It's a new experience. Not sure what to expect. I think whatever it is, I'll make the best of it," he said about moving to Sioux Falls. "I just want to thank Olds for everything. They were extremely good for me. I can't thank them enough."
According to Grizzlys head coach Brett Hopfe, roster turnover is a part of junior hockey.
"It's part of the business that we're in. Kids move on. We're definitely very proud of Nik and happy to have an impact on his hockey career," Hopfe said.
Austin Kernahan and B.J. Duffin will share captain duties, one wearing the "C" at home and the other away. They will swap midway through the season.
"Both are tremendous leaders and have been for the last few years and for us, it was a no-brainer to name them both captains," Hopfe said.
Reid Wilson and Kyle Moore will be the assistant captains, he added.
Hopfe said this year's training camp has brought in many talented players who will try to fill the void left by Grizzlys who have graduated or otherwise left.
That, he said, includes five 16-year-olds, each with enough talent to make the team.
"That's very, very rare and that speaks volumes to that age group," he said. "The future is definitely bright here."
They will have the Black and Gold game on Aug. 25 as well as three exhibition games to prove themselves.
He said most of the players are from Central Alberta, including some from Red Deer, Didsbury and Trochu.
"We take pride in our province, we take pride in our ability to send players on from our province to the next level and that's why this league is here."
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