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Two more Kelowna Rockets have been selected in the 2019 NHL entry draft in Vancouver today.
In the second and final round of the draft, both Dillon Hamaliuk and Kaeden Korczak had their names called.
Congratulations Dillon! #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/8LgrCF5PdJ
— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) June 22, 2019
Hamaliuk was selected by the San Jose Sharks with the 55th overall pick.
"Honestly it's just a dream come true," said Hamaliuk, who did not attend the draft. "I wasn't sure where I was going to be picked, but what a feeling when I learned of the news."
Hamaliuk was acquired from Seattle at the 2019 WHL Bantam Draft. He had 26 points (11G, 15A) in 31 games this past season before it came to an end due to a lower-body injury.
Korczak was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights with the 41st overall selection.
"It's pretty surreal honestly," said Korczak about being drafted by the Vegas Golden Knights. "I don't know what's happening through my head, I'm just enjoying the moment and taking everything in right now."
Kaedan Korczak is the newest Golden Knight! #VegasBorn | #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/jvWn1jK7Iq
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) June 22, 2019
That’s fresh 📸 #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/B8jt680R5a
— Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) June 22, 2019
The Yorkton, Sask. product suited up in all 68 Rockets games, setting career highs in assists and points; he had four goals and 29 assists, giving him 33 points.
Former Rockets defenceman Josh Gorges, Shea Weber and Damon Severson reached out to him over the last few days about the process.
"Those three texted me the week of (the draft) before I came and just said take it all in. It doesn't matter where or when you go. Just enjoy the experience because it only happens once."
Two other Kelowna Rockets were drafted last night in the first round.
Lassi Thomson was selected by the Ottawa Senators and Nolan Foote was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning.
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