June 28 was an auspicious day for both Warren Foegele ’14 and Dylan Sikura ’13. After years of training and dedication to the sport of hockey they were picked up in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
Warren, who was passed over by the Ontario Hockey League in 2012 and 2013, was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes, while Dylan was chosen by the Chicago Blackhawks.
“It’s unbelievable, I’m so excited. I can’t believe I’m a Carolina Hurricane,” said Warren, who was drafted in the third round (67th overall).
Last season, this NHL prospect generated a great deal of buzz by earning 107 points for the St. Andrew’s College Varsity Hockey team, scoring 58 goals and 49 assists in 52 games. He was named team MVP and a CISAA All-Star. While he was never invited to participate in the top prospects game, recruiters were attracted to the 18-year-old, who has been referred to as a late bloomer.
Prior to the draft, media expressed interest in Warren’s story; however, he stayed focused on his academics and further developing his skills with the Varsity Saints. Off-ice he’s been working with NHL alum Gary Roberts, who currently runs a high-performance fitness institute.
Warren is quick to credit St. Andrew’s and its hockey coaches for his development over the past few seasons, along with the training received by Roberts, who was a Hurricane forward from 1997-2000.
“As a St. Andrew’s community we are very proud of Warren and this special accomplishment,” said Varsity Saints Hockey Head Coach David Manning. “Best of all, he has worked so hard and represents the School in such a positive manner that it makes his success that much more satisfying for all of us.”
Next season the six-foot, one-inch, 185-pound winger will suit up with the University of New Hampshire Wildcats while studying business at the Durham, NH, campus.
“It’s going to be fun following his progress next year and beyond,” enthuses Manning. “He has all the traits to take himself even higher.”
Dylan, who has for the past three years played for the Aurora Tigers of the Ontario Junior Hockey League, raked in 64 points in 41 games in the 2013-14 season; with an OJHL career high of 134 points in 167 games. This season a Chicago Blackhawks scout has been sitting in the stands observing Dylan’s skills.
Dylan stayed home in Aurora and watched the Philadelphia-based draft on television. When his name was announced in the 6th round (178th overall), he got the call that he would be attending the Blackhawks rookie camp from July 12-18.
His success with the Tigers earned him a hockey scholarship to Northeastern University in Boston, Mass., this coming fall where he will focus on academics and hope to develop his skills.
Other SAC alum who were drafted to the NHL over the years include:
Nick Moutrey ’13 – 2013 Draft in the 4th round (105th overall) to the Columbus Blue Jackets
Michael Del Zotto ’08 – 2008 Draft in the 1st round (20th overall) to the New York Rangers
Mike Laceby ’98 – 1997 Draft in the 7th round (186th overall) to the Detroit Red Wings
Jason Reid ’94 – 1994 Draft in the 7th round (188th overall) to the Edmonton Oilers
Mike Brewer ’88 – 1991 Draft in the 1st round (20th overall) to the Washington Capitals
Tom Hussey ’85 – 1984 Draft in the 7th round (140th overall) to the New York Rangers
Greg Hotham ’76 – 1976 Draft in the 1st round (20th overall) to the Toronto Maple Leafs
Story by Nicolette Fleming, St. Andrew's College
