Sharks’ Verhoeff Has NHL Family Connections

Did you know that San Jose Sharks 9th-overall pick Keaton Verhoeff has two cousins who are already in the NHL?

Now you do. Verhoeff told reporters that the Dach brothers, Colton and Kirby Dach, are his cousins.

“Kirby and Colton Dach, obviously, both play in the NHL. They’ve been huge for me. Growing up with them, being competitive with them, whether it’s on the ice or in the gym, they’ve pushed me so much,” Verhoeff said. “To have them in my corner has been super special.”

Kirby, 25, plays for the Montreal Canadiens and was selected third overall by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2019 NHL Draft. Kirby has struggled with injuries during his career, but he’s got plenty of upside. In 19 Stanley Cup Playoff games, Kirby Dach had four goals and one assist.

Colton, 23, plays for the Edmonton Oilers, but was also drafted by the Blackhawks. Unlike his brother, or Verhoeff, Colton was taken in the second round, 62nd overall. Colton hasn’t established himself as a full-time NHLer just yet, but is projected to be part of the Oilers next season.

Verhoeff told reporters that the Dach brothers were in attendance at KeyBank Center to watch him get drafted.

“They’re here tonight,” Verhoeff said. “Having them cheer me on and be around them for the past couple of years, it’s been amazing.”

The NHL released videos of “a day in the life” for many NHL draft picks, including the San Jose Sharks’ pick. In the video, Verhoeff and Colton are seen fishing together.

When asked if the older Dach brothers would put him in goal during ball hockey, the San Jose Sharks d-man joked about them getting bored.

“I think they probably would have gotten bored. I wasn’t a very good goalie. They maybe threw me in there a couple times,” Verhoeff said. “My passion was always for playing player. I would always get out, and whether it was ball hockey, I would always be out in the action and getting in the mix with them and scrapping it up for them.”

Verhoeff could lean on his NHL family when he eventually makes the jump to pro. But for now, they are a great sounding board for an 18-year-old.