Reading’s Sam Kurker was drafted by the St. Louis Blues in the second round (56^th overall) of the NHL Entry Draft, and he said it was a thrill of a lifetime. He was also the 13^th American selected overall and just finished a stellar career at St. John’s Prep.

“It was surreal,” Kurker said. “To be there was a dream come true. It was a very stressful process, but when it came to draft I knew there was nothing I could change. So I just tried to keep stress-free, which didn’t really happen, but it was a fun experience. It was a great day.”

To say that Kurker’s career at St. John’s Prep was a success would be an understatement. He played a key role in leading the Eagles to back-to-back Super 8 appearances, including a spot in the championship game in 2011. Kurker was also the top scorer for the Eagles last season.

Kurker said that he’ll always remember the good times he had at SJP.              

“That’s the reason you play high school hockey,” Kurker said. “To have all your friends there and the whole school behind you, supporting you; it was unreal. I had a great experience; I’ll definitely never forget that. It made me better as a player. I’m real lucky to have that experience under my belt.”

Kurker, who enrolled early at Boston University and is currently taking summer classes, will suit up for the Terriers this October. The Blues own his draft rights for four years, which will allow Kurker to have the full BU experience and try to help the Terriers bring home their sixth national championship.

Kurker was also recruited by Providence College, Northeastern, and “a few Ivy schools.” He said that he wanted to stay local and once he saw the facilities and talked to the coaches on Commonwealth Avenue it was a done deal. He said it was a dream come true to be able to wear the scarlet and white.

As an added bonus, Kurker will get to play in the historic Beanpot tournament in February and lock horns with friend, and former Prep teammate, Colin Blackwell, who is now a star at Harvard.

“It’s unbelievable,” Kurker said. “I’ve been going the past 10, 11 years. It’s been a great experience to go and watch that. I don’t know it’s going to be surreal playing in it.”

Kurker will get a taste of NHL competition next week when he takes part in the St. Louis Blues developmental camp beginning July 8.