Blazer picked in NHL entry draft

KAMLOOPS – Kamloops Blazers' defenseman Ryan Rehill was selected by the New Jersey Devils in the 2014 NHL Draft in Philadelphia Saturday. Rehill was selected in the fifth round and 131 overall by the Devils.

The towering 6’3” and 213 lb defenseman was a steady force on the Blazers backend last season. Rehill was one of only two players to play in all 72 games and had four goals and 20 points. He also led the WHL in penalty minutes with 182 and had 15 fighting majors on the year. 

The Edmonton native led the team in the plus/minus department finishing the year at only minus -4 despite playing against the opposition’s best players every night.

The Blazers’ assistant captain also collected a ton of hardware at the season ending awards. He was named the Blazers’ best defenseman, most dedicated player and recognized for his inspirational leadership ability.

Coincidentally, the last Blazer to be picked in the NHL Draft was Cole Ully.

Ully was chosen in the same spot as Rehill, in the fifth round, 131st overall to the Dallas Stars in 2013.

The last player from the Kamloops Blazers to be chosen by the New Jersey Devils in the NHL Draft was Scott Niedermayer, who was selected third overall in 1991.