Damon Severson adds depth to Blue Jackets blueline

“Columbus was so aggressive in their pursuit to get me, and they wanted to beat the [free agent] rush”, Severson added. “There were a lot of teams sniffing around and waiting until July 1^st to figure out their salary cap, but Columbus was so aggressive.”

Severson knew the writing was on the wall at the end of this past season, where after nine years with the New Jersey Devils, the team couldn’t afford a player of his ilk.

While it was sad to leave an organization that drafted him in the second round, 60th overall in 2012, it is exciting to start a new chapter in his hockey career.

“When I was signing the [Columbus] contract, I was back in Saskatchewan”, the Melville product said. “My dad [Doug] was signing his name on the witness line, so it was a cool moment for him as well, considering he did all the hockey trips with me as a kid.”

While the Severson’s celebrated the significant signing back on the prairies, you can bet he and his wife, Drey, will mark the occasion after building a new home in Kelowna last year.

“Our birthdays are ten days apart, so we will plan a little shaker in the middle of August, so we will have a few people over and celebrate, numerous things all at once.”

Married last summer, the Severson’s will be busy over the next few weeks looking at purchasing a winter hockey home in Ohio’s state capital.

“Kelowna is still home”, Severson clarifying after meeting his wife during his playing days with the Rockets. “Ever since I was drafted by Kelowna, it was eyes wide open. It is such a beautiful city. This is where our roots are, and we want to keep our place here and plan to live here post-career. As long as the sun keeps shining, and the beautiful weather continues, the people here are great.”

Considering one of the best puck-moving right handed defenceman in his age bracket, the 28-year-old was asked by RocketFAN to give a piece of advice for an aspiring Kelowna Rockets player, who wants to attain many of the same goals.

“You have the high draft picks. You have the walk-ons at camp, and you get guys traded from different teams. It is the best time of your life because you don’t have many responsibilities”, Severson speaking from the heart. “You are teenagers, living at your billets house. You go to the rink every day and they [organization] treat you like a professional as best they can. It is a top, first-class organization.”

Severson’s best season in Kelowna was in 2013-2014, when the then 19 year-old was third in team scoring with 61 points in 64 games.

“I was a ninth-round WHL bantam pick. I could have gone anywhere”, Severson added. “I was fortunate to come to the Rockets. I would say, enjoy the time playing junior hockey. You make relationships that last forever. Some guys will be at your wedding. Some guys are going to visit you in the summer, so I have nothing but good things to say about my junior career. I would say some of the tough days, just keep pushing through, enjoy the long bus rides now because you are going to look back and see how much fun you really did have.”

The month of June has been memorable for the Kelowna Rockets organization. Severson was awarded a new NHL contract before Ryan Huska, the winningest coach in franchise history, was promoted to head coach of the Calgary Flames three days later.

“Huska was my coach in Kelowna for four years,” Severson said without hesitation. “He is a great coach. Very detailed. He helped my game.

“He and [assistant coach] Dan Lambert made such a great team to help me become the player and person I am today.”

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Did you know Damon Severson throws a baseball as part of his game warm-ups? Check out Damon with Regan in a little baseball pitching battle contest over on Kelowna10.

by Regan Bartel

Damon Severson adds depth to Blue Jackets blueline

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