Rockets Defenceman Drafted by Buffalo Sabres

Another Kelowna Rocket has been chosen in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

Defenceman Devante Stephens joins forward Nick Merkley as an NHL Draft pick this year. Merkley was a first round pick by the Arizona Coyotes on Friday night, and Stephens was drafted Saturday morning during the end of the draft.

Congrats to the smooth skating #Rockets D Devante Stephens. Picked 122nd pick in the 2015 #NHLDraft by @BuffaloSabres #yababy

— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) June 27, 2015

Welcome to the #Sabres, @Devo_Stephens! #OneBuffalo #SabresDraft2015 pic.twitter.com/p0JyjazLHl

— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) June 27, 2015

The Buffalo Sabres chose Stephens with the first pick of the fifth round, making him 122^nd overall. For Stephens, this selection is the culmination of an entire year where he raced up the prospect charts. This 6’1” Surrey native was coming off an injury in Midget before he played in 64 regular season WHL games. Stephens was named Rockets’ Rookie of the Year.

For Merkley, it was a dream come true to be drafted. "I’m super excited. It's a pretty surreal moment to go in the first round,” he said. “You dream of it your whole life so I’m super pumped. I want to get started with my summer. I haven't had any time to work out or anything so I’m going to get started this week. I’m excited to get back in the gym."

Devante Stephens. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)

The annual CHL import draft is coming up on Tuesday, and the Rockets Alumni Foundation will host its 15^th Annual Golf Tournament on July 16^th and 17^th. There are still golf spots available, and for more information, email annyh@kelownarockets.com or call 250-979-0853.