Valor Christian grad Pahos chosen high in NAHL Entry Draft, has junior hockey options for ’21-22
Evan Pahos parlayed a strong senior season at Valor Christian High School into getting noticed by numerous junior hockey organizations.
The North American Hockey League’s Chippewa Steel thought so highly of Pahos that they nabbed him in the first round (eighth overall) of the NAHL Entry Draft, which was held July 14.
“It was really cool to see that a team was that interested in me and my skill,” Pahos said. “The league is such a well-recognized league and produces a lot of NCAA Division I commits. Chippewa has an amazing staff and seems to have a really good community around them.”
Originally from Edina, Minn., and now living in Parker, the 2003-born forward has his eyes on playing this upcoming season in the United States Hockey League.
“Sioux City is currently my top choice,” said Pahos. “I tried out last year and they became interested and this year at their main camp, I really played well and now they are also the only USHL team interested, which is the main appeal. It is such a good league to be in.
“I feel I can adjust really well to the next level because of my speed and playmaking ability.”
Back in Minnesota, Pahos said his father put him on skates at the age of two. The NHL’s Minnesota Wild also helped grow Pahos’ love for the game.
Once he arrived in Colorado, Pahos played for Colorado Thunderbirds in addition to Valor and said the two coaches that stand out are Dave Fromm and George Gwozdecky.
“They both helped so much with my work ethic, both on and off the ice,” Pahos said. “Gwozdecky showed me how to truly elevate my game.”
Valor won a state title in 2021 and Pahos said it was “still very fun to win with all my teammates,” despite the ongoing pandemic.
Moving ahead, Pahos has high ambitions in hockey and in life.
“My short-term goal is to make Sioux City,” said Pahos. “Long term is to play D-I. After that, it is just to have a lasting and successful career in whatever I do.”
— Matt Mackinder
(August 6, 2021)