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Long road for Rebels Sedoff led to NHL contract

Sedoff was signed by Vegas Golden Knights
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Red Deer Rebels defenceman Christoffer Sedoff makes his way through the neutral zone against the Swift Current Broncos at the Peavey Mart Centrium. (Photo by Ian Gustafson/ Advocate staff)

It may have come later than anticipated but Red Deer Rebels defenceman Christoffer Sedoff has found a home in the National Hockey League.

The 21-year-old defenceman signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Las Vegas Golden Knights at the beginning of the month. This marks a major milestone moment for the Rebels blueliner.

“It feels amazing,” Sedoff said on Thursday. “I’ve been working so hard for many years and it feels good to be rewarded for my hard work.”

“I’ve been talking to them the whole season. They’ve been in touch with me and my agent and I’m happy to finally sigh with them.”

The Helsinki, Finland native’s journey to the pros has been anything but smooth going undrafted in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft and was sent home during the Calgary Flames training camp last summer.

Sedoff used it as fuel and explained the struggle made it so much sweeter.

“I had to earn it not getting drafted right away, I just kept working hard, and it paid off,” he said.

This season Sedoff leads all Rebels defencemen with 50 points (four goals and 46 assists) and is 13th among the league’s defencemen. He explained Vegas appreciated his patience on the ice and his ability to carry the puck, which he does a lot of especially on the powerplay.

“That’s what they were looking for in a defenceman and I think they are very glad to have me,” he added.

“I’m quite happy with how I’ve played and I think it’s easier when the team is playing well.”

In his final Western Hockey League season, Sedoff will head to training camp in the summer. He’s looking forward to showing what he can do on the ice and getting to know everyone in the organization.

“I want to show to the team and the organization that I’m a good player and try to fight for a spot in the NHL but I’m probably going to start in the AHL,” he said.

In the meantime, Sedoff is focused on getting the job done in Red Deer. With four games remaining the Rebels sit on top of the Central Division and second in the eastern conference.

With the bottom of the conference separated between a few points the Rebels still await who they’ll be facing in the opening round.

“As of late we’ve been playing much better and we’ve got a good chance to go far in the playoffs,” Sedoff said.

“We just have to work hard every day and get on the right track here before playoffs.”



Ian Gustafson

About the Author: Ian Gustafson

Ian began his journalism career as a reporter in Prince Albert, Sask. for the last three years, and was born and raised in Saskatchewan.
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