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Montréal Draft Pick Makes Most of First USHL Season

March 12, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Bloomington Thunder News Release


Bloomington, IL -Edmonton, Alberta is recognized by some Americans as one of the northern most points of the country. Montréal Canadiens draft pick and Bloomington Thunder defenseman Nikolas Koberstein (University of Alaska-Fairbanks, Montréal Canadiens) would ask, however, that you remember his hometown of Barrhead, AB. The small town is located in the deep north of Canada nearly an hour and a half to the northwest of the city with approximately 4,000 residents. According to Koberstein it "seems like every single kid grows up playing hockey or skating at least."

At a young age Koberstein was no different than the rest of Barrhead thanks to the support from his close family. He began to play youth hockey indoors and also had some chances to play pick-up pond hockey outdoors with his friends where he fell in love with Canada's pastime.

"All my relatives, my uncles and my cousins all were in to hockey and it is just a big tradition in our family," said Koberstein. "I'm just extremely fortunate to have the family I do. My Mom, Dad, and sister are all so special and supportive."

Seeking more opportunities to play at a higher level, Koberstein made the move into triple-A hockey following eighth grade and also developed through summer hockey in major cities.

"There was no Triple-A hockey in Barrhead so I had to go to Spruce Grove to try-out and in my first year I ended up making the team. From there I got more and more serious about it," said Koberstein.

Joining the Saints of the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League (AMBHL) in 2009 was just the beginning. Spanning from 09-13, he made his way up the ranks from Bantam to Midget where he finished with the St. Albert Raiders of the Alberta Midget Hockey League (AMHL). In 139 games over three leagues and four seasons, he tallied 81 points (14g, 67a) from the blue line.

Koberstein then entered his draft eligible season with the Olds Grizzlys of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). A solid season and a selection to the AJHL All-Rookie Team attracted the eyes of the Canadiens. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2014 NHL Draft with the 125th pick by Montréal.

"It is such an honor to be a part of the Montréal Canadiens. There's so much you learn from watching the players and professional coaches," commented Koberstein who attended the Canadiens Prospects Camp during the off season. "The guys there know so much and you can learn how to become a professional from them every second that you are there."

Ironically enough, Koberstein opened his United States Hockey League career in Bloomington but was suited up for the Sioux Falls Stampede. He played 30 games with the Stampede before joining Bloomington. The 19-year old viewed his midseason trade to the Thunder as "an opportunity to make a difference and help this team" in the inaugural season.

"Coach Williams and the staff take development and getting us to the next level very seriously. They put a lot of pride in moving guys on to college and they are always teaching us what it takes day in and day out," continued Koberstein. "Everyone here from top to bottom does such a good job and it's wonderful to be a part of such a classy organization."

Part of his close-knit family and hard-work mentality is due to working on the family farm as a child. His family owns and operates a cow farm which also produces grain. The 6-foot-2 point man uses his love and experiences from the farm as a boost to his work ethic.

"Being on the farm, you learn responsibility, an honest hard work, and accountability for everything you do. Ever since I was young I've been working on the farm and I love it so much."

In the NHL Draft, teams make selections but Koberstein was able to make a decision of his own in regards to the college game. Even though he was selected in 2011 by the Regina Pats, in November of 2013 he selected the University of Alaska-Fairbanks as his future Alma mater rather than looking to the Western Hockey League (WHL).

"I think it is very important to have a backup plan if hockey was to not work out in the future," said the future Nanook. "At the same time, (going to college) also gives me more time to develop as a player. You get a few extra years to prepare for the pro game instead of playing Major junior.

"The coaching staff at Alaska is fantastic," continued Koberstein. "They showed a lot of commitment towards me and I was willing to show the same commitment back. They visited me a few times and brought me up there for a visit and I loved every part of it. They have great guys there, a great facility, and have built up a great hockey organization."

Much like his love and passion for his family, school, and the farm, the Canadiens prospect feels and works the same on the ice all 365 days of the year. In response to finishing his first year in the USHL and preparing for off-season training, Koberstein made it simple.

"I need to make sure that I'm still working hard every day. You can't tail off at the end of the year. This is when you need to ramp it up to another level and our team is still in the middle of a playoff push with ten important games coming up starting with Team USA and Muskegon this weekend."

Next Home Game: Bloomington is back at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum on Friday, March 13th for Mystery Giveaway Night. Bloomington welcomes the United States National Team Development Program for the first time in Bloomington. The top NHL draft prospects will face off with the Bloomington Thunder at 7:00 pm CST in their second meeting of the season. Head to BloomingtonThunder.com or call the Thunder office at (309) 434-2980 for tickets and information.



United States Hockey League Stories from March 12, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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