A Yorkton native has been selected in this year’s NHL Entry Draft.
Ryder Korczak was selected 75th overall in the third round by the New York Rangers.
“It’s an honour,” he said. “It’s a dream come true. Since you are a little kid, you want to play in the NHL, and this is just the first step to that. It’s pretty special. New York is New York, born and raised in Yorkton to be going to New York; I am pretty excited for it.”
“It was exciting leading up to the draft, but as the days got closer, it was a little nerve-racking, just not knowing where you are going. It was definitely a little bit stressful the second day; you don’t know when you are going to go, but it paid off to be drafted by New York.”
Korczak has played the last two seasons with the Moose Jaw Warriors after playing his first two seasons in the WHL with the Calgary Hitman.
During his time in Calgary, Korczak put up 15 points in 53 games, but since been trading to Moose Jaw, has been over a point per game. In 79 games, he has put up 83 points, including 21 goals.
“When I was Calgary, I was more of a role-player, then I got traded to Moose Jaw, and they have been nothing but special to me. They gave me an opportunity, and with that came my confidence and made me grow as a player and as a person.”
Korczak joins five other Saskatchewan-born prospects drafted as Cole Sillinger (Regina), Nolan Allen (Davidson), Josh Pillar (Warman), Ryan McCleary (Swift Current), and Maximus Wanner (Estevan).
He added that as for this upcoming year, he is really excited to get back on the ice, especially in front of fans.
