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Zablocki taken in 3rd round of 2017 NHL Draft by Red Wings

Jun 24, 2017 | 9:50 AM

Red Deer Rebels forward Lane Zablocki is now property of the Detroit Red Wings.

The 18-year-old Wetaskiwin native was drafted by Detroit in the third round, 79th overall, on day two of the 2017 NHL Draft Saturday.

Zablocki began last season with the Regina Pats before coming to Red Deer in a huge trade on January 10.

https://twitter.com/LZablocki12/status/878741630399860738

During the 2016-17 season, he notched 28 goals and 26 assists in 64 games, including 19 goals and 10 assists in 31 games with the Rebels. He added six goals and two assists in six playoff games.

Ahead of the draft, Zablocki was ranked 52nd among North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting.

With his selection, the Red Deer Rebels’ streak of having a player drafted in each year of the team’s existence continues.

NHLers previously drafted 79th overall include Cody Franson, Mark Parrish and Brayden Point.