Prospect Profile | Koltin Herfst
Victoria, B.C. – With the 37th overall selection in the WHL Prospects Draft, the Royals selected their first defenceman of the draft, picking Koltin Herfst from the Fraser Valley Thunderbirds U15 (BCEHL).
“I was just in shock. I really didn’t know who I was going to go to, but I’m super excited to come to Victoria,” said Herfst.
Herfst shared the Draft Day moment with his family, and noted the emotions were felt from those closest to him.
“I was at home with my family when I got the call [from Victoria]. I saw my name pop up there, and my family and I freaked out. We were just so excited, I was in shock,” emphasized Herfst. “After that, we went for lunch, and enjoyed some good times together.”
The right shot defenceman played 28 games this season, scoring 9 goals and adding 26 assists for 35 points. Reflecting on the 2023-24 season, his second with the U15 Thunderbirds, Herfst emphasized the team dynamic.
“It was a very fun season. I really liked all my teammates. They were all hard working players. It was definitely a fun year with being the top [defenceman] in scoring. Overall, a super exciting season.”
While his 35 points led all blueliners on the Thunderbirds, it was also the second most by a defenceman in the BCEHL, and tied for 12th most league wide.
His play garnered league recognition, as he was named to the BCEHL U15 All-Star team at season’s end. Herfst was gracious for the recognition, and aware of the hard work that he put in to get to that point.
“I didn’t really expect to be on the All Star team, but hard work obviously pays off, so it meant a lot to me.”
As the playoffs rolled around, Fraser Valley’s successful season continued as they won the 2024 AAA Championship with a 2-1 win over the Thompson Blazers. In 6 postseason games, Herfst recorded 2 goals and 3 assists for 5 points.
Looking back on their Championship, Herfst admitted that it was a very fulfilling moment for the team as they lifted the trophy.
“There were a lot of tears and a lot of joy. It took a lot of hard work to win the championship, but hard work pays off, and we got it done.”
The product of Chilliwack, B.C. has the added bonus of playing for a team that is just a short drive from his hometown.
“It has been amazing to play close to home. Obviously, the driving is not that bad, which is super nice for all of us. The team has been super great to me, and I’m really enjoying the high level hockey. It’s been amazing.”
Standing at 6’0” and 174 lbs, Herfst brings size to the blueline. Growing up, he took note of a fellow defenceman who used size to his advantage.
“Dustin Byfuglien has always been my favourite player growing up. I really like his style of play, especially the way that he’s super physical. He was just overall such a good hockey player.”
While size played a factor in his following of Byfuglien, there are plenty of other characteristics that Herfst brings to the ice.
“I definitely like to think that I’m a physical and very hard working player that’s always willing to do anything to help the team win a game or help my teammates improve. I also think that I am a very good leader.”
Moving into the off-season, Herfst outlines his skating as the biggest attribute that he will focus on.
“I definitely want to work on my skating. I feel like my stride could definitely be better than it is right now. I will also focus on my strength and my footwork.”
Rapid fire:
Q: Who was your favourite player growing up?
A: Dustin Byfuglien and Zdeno Chara
Q: Who was your favourite NHL Team?
A: Boston Bruins
Q: What is your pre-game meal?
A: Chicken or Steak with noodles
Q: Do you have any other pre-game rituals?
A: I always leave my stick outside of the dressing room at the door. It has to be the blade in the air. I also always get dressed 20 minutes before the game.
Q: If you could be an olympian, but not in hockey, what sport would it be?
A: Basketball
Q: Who is your favourtie musical artist?
A: Drake/Kendrick Lamar/Tyler the Creator
Q: Do you have a favourite pump up song?
A: Anything that the team puts on. Happy with rock or rap.
