The hockey world was presented with heartbreaking news Saturday as former Anaheim Ducks forward Nicolas Kerdiles died in a tragic motorcycle accident.
According to WKRN News 2, the 29-year-old was killed in a crash around 3:30 A.M. in North Nashville, at the intersection of Wheless Street and 14th Avenue.
The Ducks organization released a statement on Kerdiles’ passing conveying their deepest sympathies:
Kerdiles was selected by the Ducks 36th overall in the second round of the 2012 NHL Draft. Most notably, Kerdiles became the first ever player from Orange County to play for the Ducks, in 2017.
In total, Kerdiles spent seven years as a member of the Ducks organization and played three games with the Ducks over his NHL career, during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons.
The late Kerdiles also spent several seasons in the American Hockey League and suited up for the Norfolk Admirals, San Diego Gulls and the Manitoba Moose. Throughout his time in the AHL the forward registered 107 points over 181 career games.
Kerdiles had a very successful college tenure prior to playing hockey professionally as well. In two seasons with the University of Wisconsin from 2012-14 the forward scored 26 goals and recorded 45 assists, totaling 71 points in 60 games.
Kerdiles’ professional hockey career spanned a total of six years. After his retirement from hockey at 24, Nic had been working as a real estate broker in the Nashville area.
The entire Daily Faceoff team’s deepest condolences and sympathies go out to the Kerdiles family and Nic’s loved ones during this difficult time.