Draft Day A Dream Come True For Blenheim Pair
In 2014, a young pair of hockey players helped the Blenheim Novice Reps win an OMHA “CC” Championship.
In the championship game, two players, Brayden Degelas and David Brown had four points each. Degelas notched a hat trick and an assist, while Brown had two goals and two assists.
It was a memorable moment, but the real dream come true for the dynamic duo came more than seven years later when Degelas and Brown heard their names called in the 2021 OHL Draft on the same day.
“It was a dream come true being drafted to Saginaw,” said Brown who was a 7th round pick, 135th overall of the Saginaw Spirit. “I’ve worked day in day out for this moment and it came true! Lots of emotions at home everyone was electric, really great moment to celebrate with the family.”
“It was amazing,” echoed Degelas, who was a 6th round pick, 107th overall by the Sarnia Sting. “It’s such an honour to be drafted to such a great organization. Really is a dream come true. Sarnia was the team I was really hoping for.”
In a strange draft year, both players were slated to go earlier in the draft, with Degelas ranked as a top 50 player, and Brown in the top 100.
Both had interest from several teams prior to the draft.
Now, the focus turns to preparing for training camp.
“My mindset going into camps is all positive,” said Brown. “This summer I’m going to be giving it my all to make sure I am prepared and ready to take a spot on the Saginaw Spirit roster. I have the skill and ability to make the team now, I just need to continue to put in the work until that day comes.”
“My mind set and focus will be the same as before, trying to improve my skills and working hard in the gym,” said Degelas. “The hard work doesn’t stop now, it just begins. I want to be in the best shape and ready for training camp.”
“My focus is to be ready and to make the team.”
Both forwards are talented offensive prospects. From their Novice days, to their U16 season, the pair has been found filling nets across Ontario, and it’s not unreasonable to believe that they’ll both be filling the net and leading teams to championships in the OHL soon.