Josephson excited to bring solid two-way game to Kraken
By DANNY RODE
Ollie Josephson decided not to attend the 2024 NHL Draft at the Sphere in Las Vegas, but he still did plenty of celebrating with his family and friends at home in Victoria.
The Red Deer Rebels two-way centre was selected by the Seattle Kraken in the fourth round, 105th overall on Saturday.
“It was fun to be with my family and friends,” Josephson said Monday from Seattle, where he’s taking part in the Kraken’s development camp.
“When I was drafted it was really cool … a special moment. To me the fourth round was fine … a real honour. I’d be happy (to play) anywhere and Seattle is a great place.”
Ollie talked with the Kraken several times throughout the Rebels’ season and at the NHL Combine in Buffalo but was still surprised when they took him.
“I talked with them a fair amount, but I really didn’t know. It was still a surprise but not a complete shock.”
The Kraken indicated they were looking for centres and the 17-year-old Josephson fits that mold. He’s one of the top faceoff men and two-way centres in the Western Hockey League.
“I take a lot of pride in winning faceoffs, winning them feels pretty good,” he said with a laugh.
As for his defence, it’s something he’s always worked on.
“I’m not sure where it came from, but I’ve always took pride in working hard in the defensive zone and caring when I’m on the ice.”
That philosophy fits perfectly into the Rebels way.
“It’s important in Red Deer,” he acknowledged. “It’s kind of the way we play … the Rebels brand of hockey.”
Josephson being drafted by Seattle comes on the heels of an exciting 2023-24 season. It was also an impressive one for the six-foot-one, 190-pounder as he played for Team Canada in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup and World U18 Championships, winning gold at both, while also taking part the Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects game and NHL Combine.
“I was really lucky to play with Team Canada and being involved in the Top Prospects and Combine were an honour to be at. They were super fun, things I’ll never forget.
“Getting an opportunity to play against some of the best players in the world was a challenge, something that makes you better. And it’s cool to see them drafted.
“But really you’re not focusing on development, you’re there to win and that’s what’s important.”
While Ollie is noted for his defence, his offensive abilities continue to develop and can’t be overlooked. His first season saw him score five goals and 19 points., He upped that to 12 goals and 47 points this past season, good for second in Rebels team scoring.
“I got a little more opportunity,” he said. “I worked hard on my offence last summer and I hope to take a few more steps this season.
“I had more confidence this year … I had good coaching and worked with the skills coach (Erik Lodge) all the time and they helped me with whatever I needed. I was always watching video, which was good for me. I owe them a lot.”
Ollie knows what he needs to do to take another step offensively next season.
“I need to shoot the puck more, keep working on my shot … be more selfish.”
Ollie follows in the footsteps of his dad Mike Josephson, who was selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in round eight of the 1994 NHL Draft.
ICE CHIPS – Former Rebels captain Kai Uchacz has been invited to Vegas Golden Knights Development Camp (July 1-6)… defenceman Jace Weir has been invited to Tampa Bay Lightning Development Camp (July 2-5)
