UPDATE: Two Kelowna Rockets picked in NHL entry draft

KELOWNA – Kelowna Rockets forward Nick Merkley and defenceman Devante Stephens are NHL Draft picks after the conclusion of the 2015 NHL Entry Draft.

After Merkley was a first round selection by the Arizona Coyotes on Friday night, at 30th overall, defenceman Devante Stephens was drafted on Saturday morning during the conclusion of the draft.

Stephens was chosen by the Buffalo Sabres with the first pick of the 5th round, 122nd overall.

Merkley said it was a dream come true to be selected at the NHL Entry Draft.

"I’m super excited. It's a pretty surreal moment to go in the first round. You dream of it your whole life so I’m super pumped," he said. "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."

For Stephens it was the culmination of a year that saw him race up the prospects charts.

The 6'1" Surrey native was coming off an injury in midget before playing in 64 regular season WHL games in his rookie season when he was named the Rockets rookie of the year.

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Howard Alexander

Assistant Editor Howard Alexander comes to iNFOnews.ca from the broadcasting side of the media business.

Howard has been a reporter, news anchor, talk show host and news director, first in Saskatchewan and then the Okanagan.

He moved his family to Vernon in the 90s and is proud to call the Okanagan home.

If you have an event to share contact Howard at 250-309-5343or email halexander@infonews.ca.