Photo credit: Lisa Mazurek
For the second year in a row, the NHL Draft will be held virtually, this time on Jul. 23 and 24. This year, there are nine current, former and future BCHL players that made NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings.
Leading up to the draft, we will be speaking with the prospects to get their thoughts on the process and variety of other subjects.
The BCHL’s 2021 NHL Draft coverage is presented by Chevrolet.
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Salmon Arm Silverbacks forward Noah Serdachny turned heads all season long in 2020-21. The 18-year-old notched 24 points in 20 games as a rookie, finishing fourth among all first-year BCHL players. At the end of the year, he was named the Vernon Pod’s Top Rookie.
Since the conclusion of the pod season, Serdachny popped up on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings ahead of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, slotting in at number 208 among North American skaters. Shortly after, he also announced his commitment to play his NCAA hockey at Colorado College.
Before he heads off to college, Serdachny is back with the ‘Backs next year and him and his teammates have high expectations for the coming BCHL season.
We chatted with him about the draft, Colorado College, his offseason training and more.
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BCHL: What were your impressions of the BCHL in your rookie season?
Serdachny: It was great to just play those 20 games and get a feel for the league and the level of competition that the BCHL has to offer. For me personally, I was just super grateful that we got to play those 20. We were waiting for it for a while there, so it was nice to be able to play those for sure.
BCHL: You weren’t on any midseason rankings, but ended up on NHL Central Scouting’s final rankings ahead of the draft. Was that something that was on your mind throughout the year?
Serdachny: I’d be lying to you if I said I wasn’t thinking about it. For me personally, a big thing was just growing as a player and as a team. Coming into next year, when we have a normal year, we want to be the best team we can possibly be, but it was definitely something that I had my eye on. It was a goal of mine for sure.
BCHL: What would it mean to you to hear your name called at the draft?
Serdachny: That would be awesome for me. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a little kid. That being said, if I don’t hear my name called, it kind of just adds fuel to the fire for me and gives me something to work towards. It’s not the end of the world by any means.
BCHL: If you were speaking to an NHL general manager that was thinking of selecting you, how would you describe your game and how would it translate to the next level?
Serdachny: I make players around me better. That’s one thing I pride my game on. I’m an unselfish player. I like to make plays and play the game the right way. I like to create offence any way I can – even strength, power play. I’m a playmaker who can also put the puck in the net if I have to.
BCHL: You recently announced your commitment to Colorado College. Why was that school the best fit for you?
Serdachny: I feel like they play in the top conference in college hockey. The level of competition night in and night out was a big thing for me. Also, the coaching staff there, I built a really good relationship with them. I feel like my style of play is going to fit in well there.
BCHL: Have you been working on anything specific this offseason to get ready for next year?
Serdachny: For me, it’s strength and building power. I’ve being spending a lot of time in the gym and also doing some sprint training, which has been good for me. Then also just being on the ice as much as I possibly can be.
BCHL: Your teammate last year Joaquim Lemay is also ranked by Central Scouting. What can you say about his game from the time you spent with him last year?
Serdachny: Jo is a really good buddy of mine. He’s a terrific player and an even better guy. He can pretty much do it all. He’s got a great first pass. He’s got great instincts and he’s good offensively.
BCHL: You’re coming back to Salmon Arm next year. What are you expecting from the team in your second season in the league?
Serdachny: Just talking with the guys lately, for us, a championship or a really good run is all we’re going to settle for. There will be bumps along the road, but I think we’re going to have a super strong team. That’s the main goal for us.
