Blazers’ Loewen makes history in NHL draft

Jun 23, 2018 | 1:17 PM

KAMLOOPS — This was a lean year for the Western Hockey League at the NHL draft.

Of the 217 players called in the draft, only 20 are from the Western League.

Jermaine Loewen was the only player taken from the Blazers — by the Dallas Stars in round seven — and in the process made NHL draft history.

Born in Jamaica, adopted at an early age by a Manitoba family, Loewen became the first Jamaican born player to ever be drafted by the NHL.

“It was a dream come true,  for me to become the first Jamaican born player to be drafted to the NHL,” says Loewen.   “I cried —- all the things I have gone through in my life, I was just really happy to be drafted.  It’s just a step but it’s big for me, because of where I’ve came from. I think it’s placed in me to be a leader — to help young kids who have been adopted —- who have come from Jamaica who are trying to pursue hockey, or any sport. You’re an underdog — I’m still an underdog, playing that position. Being a leader for that is very special for me. It’s not something I just take for granted.”

Loewen didn’t have much time to celebrate being drafted. Early Sunday morning he was on a flight to Dallas for the Stars development camp which began today.