Kelowna Rockets defenceman Cal Foote has added his name to a lengthy list of Rockets defencemen to be selected at the NHL Entry Draft.
Foote was selected 14th overall in the first round of the draft by the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday in Chicago at the United Center.
“Today was very exciting but at the same time I was very nervous getting to the rink,” Foote said. “The experience was amazing. It was so professional and very fun to be a part of.”
Foote becomes the eighth Kelowna Rockets player in team history to be drafted in the first round. Six of those eight have been defencemen. Most recently, Lucas Johansen was selected 28th overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
“It means a ton to me, I’ve worked my entire life for this moment but I’m excited to get back to work in August with the Rockets,” Cal said when asked what it means to him to be drafted.
Foote had a great season, leading the Rockets D in points with six goals, 51 assists, for 57 points in 71 games this season. He also registered a whopping +39 plus/minus. He added a goal and six assists for seven points in 14 playoff contests. All of this came while logging huge minutes for the club.
On Saturday morning, Rockets forward Kole Lind was taken in the second round, 33rd overall by the Vancouver Canucks.
A native of Shaunavon, Sask., Lind led Kelowna in scoring last season with 30 goals and 87 points and 70 games.