Former history-making Anaheim Duck dies at 29

The hockey world mourns the loss of a family member today, as the Anaheim Ducks have announced the passing of former NHLer Nic Kerdiles.

Kerdiles’ former coach Dallas Eakins paid tribute to his former player on social media today, writing:

I am absolutely heartbroken to see this news. Nic was an amazing kid who always put others first. He constantly had a positive effect and influence on his teammates, friends and family’s lives. May his kind soul rest in peace.

Kerdiles was a 2012 second-round pick of the Ducks and made history as the first player from Orange County to suit up for the team. A star for two seasons at the University of Wisconsin, Kerdiles went on to play four full seasons in the AHL with the Ducks’ affiliates, earning seven total NHL games.

Alongside his club career, Kerdiles also had the honor of representing his country at the 2014 IIHF Men’s World Junior Championships, where he starred for Team USA with seven points in just five games.

Throughout his career, he had a record of performing in the clutch, highlighted by his point-per-game playoff run with the San Diego Gulls in 2016-17 and his WCHA Tournament MVP award in his days at Wisconsin.

A beloved teammate to many, Kerdiles will be dearly missed. Everyone at PHR extends our condolences to the Kerdiles family.