Staying on the ice
JACKSON TWP – Devin Dezarn-Sroka's junior year of high school hockey was tough.
The 2014 Seneca Valley graduate didn't make varsity, but a lot of his friends and brother, Darrien, did. After making varsity as a senior, Devin Dezarn-Sroka played well enough to be drafted by the NA3HL's Pittsburgh Vengeance and earn a tryout with the Johnstown Tomahawks.
Devin and Darrien are two of several Butler County hockey players trying to land the highest junior hockey spots they can.
Just getting drafted by the Vengeance in the 11th round was a thrill for Devin.
His brother Darrien, got picked by the Vengeance in the 12th round.
“I was really shocked. My junior year I made the JV hockey team and I was really disappointed that everyone was a higher level than me,” Dezarn-Sroka said. “I was having a really tough time. My senior year I played varsity and did decently.”
Butler's Jonathan Fair (9th round) and Connor Scott (10th) were also picked by the Vengeance. The Golden Tornado's Troy Double was offered a tender agreement.
Both Darrien and Devin have tryouts with the Tomahawks. Darrien tried out for the Division-I club team at Robert Morris University, while Devin is trying out for the West Virginia University and Ohio University club teams.
“It's a hard decision,” Darrien said. “This is one of my goals out of my 13 or 14 years playing hockey. I love the hockey experience and to be able to just play hockey is my dream.”
Devin, a center, registered eight points (two goals and six assists) during the Raiders' run to the PIHL quarterfinals last season. Darrien scored once.
Double, who helped Butler win its first section title in 21 years last season, still has a tryout with the Janesville (Wisc.) Jets. Double led Butler last season with 34 points, including 13 goals, and went to a tryout camp in Minnesota earlier this year.
“I'm looking for the highest level of hockey I can play at,” Double said. “If I can't make the NAHL this year, I'll try to make it the year after that.”
Double said the tryout camps are never-wracking, but exciting.
He's also not concerned with having to go far away from home if that's what it takes.
“I want to make it at the college level,” Double said. “I think I bring speed and a lot of character.”
Scott was second on Butler in points with 33, including 15 goals, while Jonathan Fair finished with 14 points.
Devin Dezarn-Sroka has enjoyed the process. Now, he's hoping he can find the best fit.
“It's been awesome. I tried out for a Pittsburgh prospect team and went to Bethel Park to try out,” he said. “I got to see a lot of players with different skill levels.”
