The Camrose Kodiaks are very pleased to announce that defenseman Sam Jardine has been drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks, in the 6th round, 169th overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.
“The Kodiaks organization is very proud of Sam, stated Kodiaks Coach and General Manager Boris Rybalka. “We know that being drafted by the Blackhawks organization is a direct reflection of the hard work Sam put in this past season to become a solid defenseman, and a well-rounded hockey player.”
“I am so excited to be drafted by a young and championship caliber team such as the Chicago Blackhawks,” said an ecstatic Sam Jardine, upon hearing that the Blackhawks had drafted him. “I would like to thank to sincerely thank the Kodiak organization and the great people of Camrose for all of your support. I could not have done it without you.”
Jardine recently completed in his first year with the Camrose Kodiaks. He amassed 6 goals and 16 assists for 22 points in 50 games, in the 2010 / 11 regular season. Jardine was a key contributor to the Kodiaks run to the AJHL Enerflex Cup Finals during the 2011 AJHL Playoffs, and appeared in all 5 games the Kodiaks played in the 2011 RBC Cup which was held this past May in Camrose, Alberta.
Jardine also was named to Team Canada West at the 2010 World Junior A Challenge which was held this past November, and to Team West at the 2010 CJHL Prospects Game which was held this past December.
The selection of Sam Jardine by the Blackhawks marks the fourth time a member of the Camrose Kodiaks has been drafted by the Original Six franchise. Jardine is also the 13th member of the Kodiaks to be drafted by an NHL team in the Kodiaks’ 14 years of existence.