It’s been a busy week for Rebels forward and Wetaskiwin native Lane Zablocki as he gears up for the NHL draft in a couple of weeks.

The NHL held their 2017 NHL Scouting Combine last weekend in Buffalo, where Zablocki’s strength and endurance was tested in front of various NHL clubs.

The 18-year-old met with 10 clubs, and took part in workouts, medical exams and interviews.

“It’s always something you dream about as a kid growing up. It’s something that’s always been in the back of my head. Throughout the season I set a lot of goals to try and achieve my main goal which was to get drafted.”

“If that happens, if I’m lucky enough to be selected then the real work starts.”

Zablocki was traded to the Rebels at the WHL trade deadline last year, where he scored 19 goals in just 21 games for a total of 29 points.

After what he described as a slow start with the Regina Pats, Zablocki said the trade really turned things around for him.

“The opportunity I was presented with when I got to Red Deer changed things around. There was a lot more structure when I came to Red Deer and I think that was the biggest difference.”

“I don’t think I ever played a trap until I came to Red Deer.”

Zablocki was used on the powerplay, the penalty kill and shutdown situations.

Being closer to home is something Zablocki said also helped his overall game.

“It was great. I got to see friends and family after almost every single game. It was quite something."

Zablocki is ranked 52nd among North American heading into the draft. The draft takes place in Chicago on June 23 and 25.