Okotoks Oilers Defenceman Jacob Bernard-Docker (Canmore, AB) has become the highest picked Okotoks Oiler to ever be selected in the National Hockey League Draft.
At the 2018 edition of the NHL Entry Draft at the American Airlines Centre, Bernard-Docker, 18, was selected in the 1st Round by the Ottawa Senators, the 26th overall selection.
Bernard-Docker is the 6th Okotoks Oilers to be drafted into the NHL and showing exponential progression from his first Alberta Junior Hockey League game to his incredible sophomore season at both the league and international level.
Jacob finished the season ranked 33rd in North American Skaters heading into the draft progressing from the 64th rank in the NHL Central Scouting pre-season rankings to the 62nd ranked skater in the mid-term ranking period.
The 2000 born defenceman had 41 points (20 goals, 21 assists) in 49 games played, he added 14 points (7 goals, 7 assists) in 14 playoff games where the Oilers embarked on their first appearance in the AJHL Championship series.
Bernard-Docker earned a number of league awards and accolades as he was named the AJHL’s Top Defenceman, a unanimous selection to the league’s Viterra South Division All-League Team. In the entire Canadian Junior Hockey League, Bernard-Docker was named the league’s Top Defenceman and suited up for Team Canada West at the 2017 World Junior A Challenge in Truro, Nova Scotia where he was a part of their Gold Medal winning performance. Jacob in five tournament games recorded one goal and two assists while donning the maple leaf.
Bernard-Docker is committed to the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks in the NCAA’s NCHC Conference for the incoming 2018-19 hockey season.
Oilers Head Coach / General Manager / Director of Hockey Development Tyler Deis says it has been an honor and privilege to coach Jacob and the organization couldn’t be prouder of his accomplishment.
““I have known Jacob since he was playing atom hockey. It has been a privilege to see him grow and develop as a player and role model, both on and off the ice. We congratulate Jacob on his success. He has worked hard for this and it is well deserved.”
The Canmore native’s career line with the Oilers in 103 regular season games accumulated 63 points (27 goals, 36 assists) and in 27 career playoff games had 21 points (9 goals, 12 assists).
Bernard-Docker says it has been quite the weekend in Dallas for himself and his family.
“I think being drafted is certainly a step in the right direction but I realize there is still a lot of hard work ahead of me,” he says. “I’m here because of the people in my life and couldn’t be more thankful for those individuals. My family has been a huge reason that I was able to experience this opportunity and that includes my billet mom Rita Wilson as well. My teammates and the coaching staff in Okotoks really allowed me to succeed and gave me every opportunity to get here.”
Bernard-Docker joins Oiler alumni Rhett Gardner (2015, Dallas Stars), Rhett Holland (2012, Arizona Coyotes), Derek Rodwell (2009, New Jersey Devils), Corban Knight (2009, Florida Panthers) and Brad Eidsness (2007, Buffalo Sabres) drafted into the NHL.
The Oilers organization would like to congratulate Jacob and the Bernard-Docker family on this incredible achievement. We would like to thank Jacob for his team involvement both on and off the ice, as well as his dedication to our organization and the Okotoks and surrounding community with class and professionalism.
Bernard-Docker will be in attendance at Ottawa Senators Development Camp starting Monday, June 25th.