Just days after hearing his name called with the 224th and final selection in the 2026 NHL Draft by the Montreal Canadiens, former Drumheller Dragons forward Tyler Deakos arrived at his first NHL Development Camp with one goal: make an impression. The 2026 Montreal Canadiens Development Camp was held June 30 to July 2, 2026, at the CN Sports Complex in Brossard, Quebec.
For Deakos, development camp represents far more than a week on the ice. It is the beginning of the next chapter in a hockey journey built on determination, hard work, and making the most of every opportunity.
Before moving on to the USHL and eventually the Penticton Vees, Deakos made an immediate impact with the Drumheller Dragons during the 2025-26 season. In just 10 AJHL games, he recorded eight goals and seven assists, showcasing the offensive ability, compete level, and character that made him a standout both on and off the ice.
Now wearing Canadiens colours at development camp, Deakos is skating alongside some of the organization’s top prospects while learning from NHL coaches, player development staff, and veterans. Every practice, meeting, and drill is another opportunity to continue earning the trust of one of hockey’s most storied franchises.
His path is a reminder that there is no single route to professional hockey. From the Memorial Arena in Drumheller to the bright lights of an NHL organization, Deakos has embraced every challenge along the way.
The entire Drumheller Dragons organization is incredibly proud of Tyler’s accomplishment. His success is shared by the coaches who believed in him, the billets who welcomed him into their homes, the sponsors who support junior hockey, and the fans who cheered him on every night.
Head Coach and General Manager, Kevin Hasselberg and Associate Coach Kenton Levesque created an environment where players like Deakos could develop both on and off the ice, preparing them for opportunities at the next level. The Drumheller Dragons have always believed in developing players both on and off the ice. Our commitment is to prepare young athletes for the next level, and seeing Tyler Deakos take the ice at NHL Development Camp is a proud reflection of that mission.
As Tyler continues his development, everyone in Drumheller will be following his journey with pride. Once a Dragon at the Memorial Arena, he now carries the dreams of an entire community as he takes another exciting stride toward the National Hockey League.
Congratulations, Tyler! The Dragons family is behind you every step of the way.
