Sdrakas has speed and skill to burn

September 19th, 2020
North Saanich, British Columbia

Skill and talent will not be an issue for 18-year-old Aleko Sdrakas who is entering his rookie year in Junior Hockey with the hometown Peninsula Panthers.  Sdrakas toiled last season with the Victoria Royals Major Midget however he is certainly not a stranger to Head Coach Brad Tippett or with the fans on the Peninsula.  The speedster played most of his Minor Hockey on the Peninsula and has been a regular in Panthers' camps for the past several years.  It was just a matter of time until he was inked.  At the end of the Identification Camp in April 2019, Tippett let Sdrakas know that he was happy with his effort and ability and told him to play his final year of Midget and that he would be signed in 2020.  That situation has now developed and has become a reality.

"Since I was a little kid, I’ve always wanted to be a Panther," quipped Sdrakas.  "Growing up as a Peninsula kid, I’ve played with Braun, Lingard, Wort, Speirs, Maloney, Sveinson and others over the years and now we are all back here again with the Panthers. Every Peninsula kid dreams of later playing on the Panthers when they grow up. Many players like Owen Cox, Sterling Lyon, Hunter Jensen, I’ve only ever played against, so I’m very exited to play with my former opponents. Last year I affiliated with the team and I finally got to wear a Panthers sweater in several games, it was a really great feeling. This year I’m looking to be an offensive threat and put up some solid numbers. My goal is to always be a team player, and have a great year with all the boys. And when the year is over, I want to be even a better player than I was when I joined the Club. I hope that Covid doesn’t stop us all from playing the sport we love."

Pete Zubersky on Sdrakas:
"It's really hard if not impossible to see Aleko when he is on the ice.  He is exciting and is a fantastic skater and he will pull people out of their seats this year.  I remember three years ago when we were going to pop him into an exhibition game, he might have been 14.  He was a little apprehensive about the idea at the time and it was certainly understandable.  Now he is ready and raring to go.  I think Aleko needs to work on making those around him better.  Up to this point he probably has not had to distribute the puck but now he is at a level where that is important.  He will.  He is a smart kid with a big upside."

Brad Tippett on Sdrakas:
"Aleko’s exceptional speed puts defenses on their heels and creates an abundance of scoring opportunities. His success at the junior level will be determined by how much he uses that speed when he doesn’t have the puck. He is our smallest player in terms of height, but you can’t hit what you can’t catch."