Another NHL draft for the Krebs family

By RYAN MCCRACKEN on July 22, 2021.

rmccracken@medicinehatnews.com@MHNMcCracken

The Krebs family has already had its share of milestone achievements in the game of hockey, and now it’s Dru’s turn at the draft.

After two strong seasons on the blue line with the Medicine Hat Tigers, Dru Krebs enters this weekend’s NHL Entry Draft ranked 142nd among North American skaters.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling to be considered and ranked on this draft list,” Krebs said in a phone call with the News. “I put in consistent work throughout my life and it just feels rewarding to be noticed for it. In the big scheme of things I’m just trying to put in my work, play the game I love, trying to make the NHL. Getting drafted doesn’t mean I’m going to make the NHL automatically, but it is a pat on the back and really helps you moving forward.”

Krebs has been following in the footsteps of his older brothers, Dakota and Peyton, both of whom charted paths through the Western Hockey League, leading to Peyton being selected 17th overall by the Vegas Golden Knights in 2019. After watching his brother go through the experience on the draft floor, Krebs says he knows he’s in for a bit of a nervous wait.

“I think coming into it, you’ll have nerves, and as he said you’ll always be wondering who you’re going to get drafted to and what’s going to happen on the day of. That’s something you really can’t control,” said Krebs, who recorded 11 assists and a plus-4 rating in 23 games with the Tigers this season. “I’m just going to try to hang out with family and just enjoy it as much as possible, as much as you can considering you’re a little impatient for what’s going to happen. But, I think overall it’s just about enjoying the process and using it as a milestone and motivation to keep on going toward your overall goal of playing in the NHL.”

The family achievements don’t stop on the ice, though, as Krebs’ older sister Maddison is a successful singer-songwriter. In fact, she’ll be performing in Penticton this weekend, and that’s where Krebs will be watching the draft with his family.

“We’re just going to make an event out of it,” said Krebs. “My family is all heading out there. My dad rented a place so we’re going to sit around watching the TV, maybe sharing a few beverages as we’re watching and seeing guys I know go – and hopefully myself as well.”

The 5-foot-11, 182-pound Okotoks product is joined on the draft rankings by teammate Cole Sillinger, ranked 10th among North American skaters. While the two didn’t compete alongside each other this season – as Sillinger opted to take his game to the United States Hockey League’s Sioux Falls Stampede in order to maximize ice time – Sillinger says he’s been amazed by how well Krebs has developed his game since they joined the team together in the 2018 WHL bantam draft.

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