Former NHL player for the Anaheim Ducks, Nic Kerdiles, died in a motorcycle accident in Nashville at 29. According to TMZ, the accident occurred at around 3:30am Saturday morning, September 23, and that there were no signs of impairment from either Kerdiles or the driver of the other vehicle.
He had previously been engaged to Savannah Chrisley, a former pageant queen and star on ‘Chrisley Knows Best’.
In wake of this sad news Anaheim Ducks released statement saying “We are heartbroken hearing news about Nic Kerdiles who died today in motorcycle accident…Irvine native has become first player from Orange County ever playing for Ducks back 2017…our thoughts go out towards his family & loved ones”
Born and raised in Lewisville, Texas to a French father and French-Canadian mother, Kerdiles moved around until eventually settling down in Irvine, California.
As a kid he took part in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament as well as represented the United States on their National Team Development Program in various prestigious youth tournaments.
He went on to win silver at the 2011 IIHF U-17 World Championships before winning gold at the following year’s U-18 World Championships – leading all American players with points scored.
Following three seasons competing for Norfolk Admirals & San Diego Gulls (both AHL affiliates), Kerdiles debuted for Anaheim Ducks against Boston Bruins on 22nd February 2017 before going on to play four games at Stanley Cup Playoffs including two against Edmonton Oilers (which Anaheim won) & two against Nashville Predators (which they lost).
After signing one-year extension with Ducks following season, Kerdiles finished career with 7 appearances overall including one point at Western Conference Finals vs Predators although failed to make enough impact to stay longer than October 15th 2017 vs Buffalo Sabres and then went onto Jets organization making three appearances for Manitoba Moose prior last game Belleville Senators 6-2 loss on October 13th 2018.