SV hockey twins head to Canada
JACKSON TWP — Devin and Darrien Dezarn-Sroka went to the Johnstown Tomahawks open tryout camp last month looking for a landing spot in junior hockey.
Neither made the team. Instead, they got some constructive criticism, and another offer.
Krzysztof Oliwa, a former NHL enforcer who was the twins’ coach at the camp, e-mailed them after the camp and offered them a contract with the Walnut Grove Wolverines of the new Canadian Independent Junior-A Tier 1 Hockey League based in Vancouver, British Columbia.
“We asked the coach (Oliwa) why we didn’t the Johnstown Tomahawks and he said it was because of our size,” said Devin, a 2014 Seneca Valley graduate. “He said he can give us that. That’s how we would make the teams.”
The idea of being pushed by a former pro was a big part of the appeal for the 5-foot-11, 165-pound wingers.
During the tryouts they played on the same line, catching Oliwa’s eye.
“Once we got back to the bench, he was surprised how well we played together,” Darrien said.
Oliwa will coach the Wolverines in their inaugural season.
He played in the NHL from 1996-2005 earning the nickname of “the Polish Hammer” as a member of the New Jersey Devils, Columbus Blue Jackets, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins and Calgary Flames.
During the 1999-00 season, he didn’t play in the playoffs, but was a member of the Devils’ Stanley Cup winner.
The opportunity — combined with Oliwa’s experience — helped sway the Srokas.
“His description of it,” Darrien said. “To make you into a machine.”
All six teams will be working out in the same facility with trainers.
There will be three-hours of on ice training and two-hours off-ice seven days a week.
“All the other teams we’ve played and teams like the (Pittsburgh) Vengeance, they give you a workout program and trust you to do it,” Devin Sroka said. “Some people probably slack off. This team is offering a trainer next to you, pushing you.”
Both Devin and Darrien were drafted by the NA3HL’s Pittsburgh Vengeance last month and had tried out for several club teams at colleges.
Darrien tried out for the Division-I club team at Robert Morris University, while Devin is tried out for the West Virginia University and Ohio University club teams.
Devin registered eight points (two goals and six assists) during the Seneca Valley’s run to the PIHL quarterfinals last season. Darrien scored once.
Ultimately, both are hoping that gaining size and experience will result in them landing at Johnstown next season. For now, both brothers are happy they found a way to stay together.
“It’s awesome we made a team out of high school,” Darrien said. “I will be a lot more comfortable having a family member with me in Canada.”
