Adam Kleber poses for a portrait after being drafted by the Buffalo Sabres (Credit: Getty Images)
The Buffalo Sabres have brought together a unique reunion story in the NHL, drafting three players whose friendship began more than a decade ago in Minnesota’s pee-wee hockey scene.
Adam Kleber, Brodie Ziemer, and Ashton Schultz first laced up their skates together as kids. And never imagining they would one day share the same NHL team.
2025 NHL Draft : Ashton Schultz – 24-25 Highlights
From Pee Wee hockey in Minnesota to the NHL spotlight
Kleber, a towering 6-foot-6 defenseman, was the first to join the Sabres. He was selected 42nd overall in the second round of the 2024 NHL Draft. Ziemer, a competitive forward with a sharp scoring touch, followed just one round later at 71st overall. Schultz, a smooth-skating forward with strong puck-handling skills, completed the trio when Buffalo picked him 167th overall in the sixth round of the 2025 NHL Draft. Their shared journey began in Chaska and Victoria, Minnesota, small cities located just miles apart. Kleber and Ziemer grew up in Chaska, while Schultz hailed from nearby Victoria. The three first played together for the Machine Orange summer team before becoming teammates on a pee wee squad that cemented their on-ice chemistry and close friendship.
2025 NHL Draft | Ashton Schultz Highlights #nhldraft #hockey
The same team drafted Adam Kleber, Brodie Ziemer, and Ashton Schultz
Over the years, their careers took different paths. Kleber progressed thro
Read More