instones.org

Saturday was a lot different than Friday - better in most respects. Since I did not get to guide a draftee yesterday, I got the first pick today: TJ Brennan (Buffalo, #31). Since this was Buffalo’s first pick, the media interviews took a long time. (The Getty image used in this article was one of the things I made sure TJ did after he was drafted.) There was a Buffalo Sabres cameraman who followed us around, so I may make some video as TJ and I talked about what being drafted meant to him. One thing I found humorous was the number of jerseys that TJ was asked to put on and take off - just so they could say he wore it on draft day.

When I returned from my first run, I had to do another right away - this was crunch time for us draft guides. My second of the day was Luca Cunti (Tampa Bay, #75), from Switzerland. Tampa had another pick at #77 but Alexander Killorn was not in attendance - I thought I might have to escort both of them at once because we were so busy. As it turned out, I had to remind people that this was Luca and not Alexander. A few media left, but the college hockey reporters like Paula Weston of USCHO stayed and got great interviews with him: he is considering St. Cloud and Clarkson (I put in a good word for George Roll, of course).

While guiding Luca, BGSU-bound Josh Unice was waiting in line for pictures as well - he was selection #86. I introduced myself - it will be great to watch him develop for the Falcons.

I figured that would be the last of my duties, since the pool of draftees in attendance was growing thin. I think at one point we went 30 picks with nothing to do. I was lucky and got Atlanta’s selection John Albert (#175) - he is from Cleveland and will be attending Ohio State. He did an FSN Ohio interview (but Paula did not show up to cover her future Buckeye).

All 3 were very nice kids. I wish them all the success. It was a privilege to be a part of their big day.

After it was all over, the draft guides got to go on stage for a group photo. That was nice. If you ever get a chance to volunteer for a future NHL draft - do it. The NHL staff are amazing and it will be an experience you will not forget.

Last night was pretty easy as an NHL Draft Guide. Our main job is to escort the draftee through a series of interview and photo checkpoints. With all of the picks Friday night being high profile, this process took a long time (about 2 hours) but there were plenty of team PR people and NHL reps leading the way.

Our other job is to escort the draftee’s family to the Founder’ Club so they can meet up with their son after he is done and have family photos taken. I drew two of these assignments: Alex Plante (pick #15, Edmonton) and Max Pacioretty (pick #22, Montreal). I enjoyed both of these assignments because you can visit with the family and share in some of their excitement. Alex’s family seemed quite surprised he went in the first round. Max is headed to the University of Michigan, so I look forward to watching him play when he visits BGSU.

Another benefit of being a volunteer is that you get good seats, in the first few rows, sitting in the same section as many draftees and their families, and being able to watch the team executives eat potato chips and drink bottled water. It is not really that exciting, but at least you are close to the near-action.

Today, Saturday, will be different. No time for Gretzky / Yzerman / Snepsts and other hero-spotting. The picks will come a lot faster and the media attention will not be as high. Instead of escorting 30 picks for 2 hours each, it will be hundreds of draftees on whirlwind tours. Should actually be more fun.

Finally, I made it to the blogger meet-up at the Bud Light Arena Pub and met Drew, Michael, Acid Queen and others. That was fun, even though I am not really an NHL blogger like they are.

Oh yea, I almost-literally ran into an old friend, Jerry York. I was escorting Alex Plante’s family, so I was talking to them instead of watching where I was going. Jerry comes around a corner, walking very fast because he is late to something. I managed to avert a collision, say hello and shake his hand, but I am not sure he even recognized me, it was so fast. So far that has been the best college hockey connection I have made this weekend.

I will be making my third trip to Nationwide Arena later this month. The first was the Ohio Hockey Classic (Miami beat the Falcons), the second was the Wings-Blue Jackets game on April 1st (on NBC).

This time it will be for the NHL Draft, June 22-23. I volunteered to work at the draft and have made the cut. I will be a “Draft guide” - no idea what I will be doing, but it is supposed to be the most important volunteer position. I am sure I will have a blast just being there. (Yes, I am taking a vacation day at work to work for free.)

It will be nice to be there if/when BG-bound Josh Unice gets drafted. He is ranked as the #15 North American goalie.

There is a full schedule of events for the fans. This FSN Ohio video is interesting - how they planned the draft, it’s impact on the city, making it exciting for fans.

Michael Turner has a guide for fans traveling to Columbus to attend the draft. Michael and Drew are organizing a blogger meet-up there - hope I can make that, too. Update: Sarah has a great list of things to do in Columbus draft weekend.