Family relieved after Winnipeg-born Nolan Patrick picked No. 2 overall in NHL Entry Draft
As the 2017 NHL Entry Draft moves into its second day, a pair of Winnipeg-born players are already bound for the big leagues after being snapped up in the top 10 overall picks.
The Philadelphia Flyers selected Nolan Patrick, 18, with the second overall pick on Friday.
Cody Glass, 18, became the first-ever draft pick in franchise history for the Vegas Golden Knights in the No. 6 spot overall after a season with the Portland Winterhawks.
For families watching, the culmination of the draft comes with a sigh of relief, said Stephen Patrick — a former NHL player who is also the dad of Nolan Patrick.
"For me, I think the family — it was just more nerve-racking because of the buildup and the amount of press that you have to sort of endure," he said.
"There was a relief element that … [it's] finally over with."
His son, a Brandon Wheat Kings centre and the team's captain, was a contender for the No. 1 overall pick, held by the New Jersey Devils, but the Devils opted for Nico Hischier.
Stephen Patrick said that suits him fine.
"I like No. 2. It doesn't matter where," he said.
"Obviously you panic. I mean, not everyone panics, but you go, 'Jeez, that's a lot of pressure for the No. 1 spot.' But I don't think it really matters."
Drafted in the '80s
Stephen Patrick says a lot has changed since he played in the NHL in the '80s.
He found out he had been drafted while he was mowing the lawn and a friend called to say he heard the news on the radio.
"It wasn't much in the paper," Patrick said. "I think the Hockey News was a monthly subscription and it was great. I didn't mind that at all, how low-key it was."
He said his son is still tired after a busy month of hockey and preparation for the draft.
"It's a big, big step going from junior to the NHL," he said.
