VHL Draft: Lead up to Draft day with Pierre Marc Bouchard

[Gaikoku-hito 2,135]

 

An exciting time for any player is when they find out where they will be drafted but also a very nervous time since the player has no control of where they actually might be drafted. It is a big deal since the team gains control of the player for three very long rookie contract seasons and if you end up being drafted by the wrong team those three seasons could feel like a life time.

 

Pierre Marc Bouchard was excited for the draft as the process had started a few weeks earlier with conversations started to pick up; while never truly interviewed when look back on the situation he was very aware of what most teams where considering, of course this could also all be lip service; which only adds to the nerves of the situation of being drafted. Through these conversations he had a good idea he was going to be drafted 3rd or 4th overall by one of two teams.

 

HC Davos stated no interest as they were determined to draft a defender; just a matter of what defender they would draft at 1st overall. Los Angeles Stars; seemed more likely to trade down out of the second spot as simple put a single player high in the draft wouldn`t be enough to help the teams start to rebuild in what was expected to be a strong draft.

 

A week before the draft or there about; Moscow Menace acquired the 1st overall selection from HC Davos Dynamo for the 6th overall pick in the draft and former Rookie of the year Grrimgor Ironhide in trade that might have surprised a few around the league at the time.

 

“Well, that changes things a bit” thought Bouchard. “or does it?”

 

Moscow Menace being one of the better teams in the league after coming out of the rebuild themselves had multiple first round selections including the pick that they just traded to Davos; which was a previous conditional pick from acquiring Grimgor Ironhide from Helsinki Titans. So how does that change the draft? “It likely doesn`t!!” Stated Pierre Marc Bouchard management; ”Since Moscow has no real needs they are likely to pick the based around best Player available.”

 

“So that means I am still likely to be either going 3rd or 4th overall depending on what Riga Reign might actually want to do?” questioned Bouchard looking more confirmation from his manager.

“Yes, It would seem that it will still come down to a selection between yourself and Hardy but also a bit hard to predict since the Riga GM hasn`t been announced yet so we cannot say for certain what Riga will be doing during the draft. I have heard rumors of even trading down out of that position so a lot can change still!!” commented Bouchards` manager.

 

“I hate having no control”; thought Bouchard to himself but must have made a face or something as his manager added,” You know you will have control in three seasons if you don`t like the team that drafted you, right?”

“Yeah, but that isn`t it!! I mean I just don`t like not knowing and having no say where I get drafted. I will be happy to play for any team that drafts me and you know that!!”

“Yes, I do but I also know you have a preference even if you might not be sharing it.”

 

Day later another trade and Moscow Menace have the 1st and 2nd overall picks trading 8th overall, 14th overall and 30th overall to Los Angeles with a prospect to acquire the 2nd overall pick.

“Again, nothing changes!!” stated Bouchard manager coolly adding in an afterthought, “Unless Moscow Menace are interested in you but they haven`t reached out yet!!”

“Moscow Menace!! Yeah, that would be a great team to play for if that was to happen.” thought Bouchard, “But hopefully not first overall as that would be a ton of pressure that I am not sure I want!!” Again, he was making a face as his manager added,” Until they reach out it is very unlikely that they are considering drafting you and no it wouldn`t be first overall so you can relax!!”

“Dam it!! Am I that easy to read?”

“Yes!! As you always make a face when you are thinking to yourself!!” stated the manager chuckling to himself

“Dam it”, Bouchard cursed!!

 

 

A day later announcement of the Riga Reign GM was made and much expected Lemorse7 was announced to no surprise of the Bouchard camp but would all but confirm the likeliness that he would be drafted by Riga Reign confirmed hours after the announcement when Lemorse7 reached out to the Bouchards` camp stating his interest in drafting the player. “Yes, I would love to play in Riga as I always wanted to play for the team that passed over my Grandfather back in the S75 draft. I just hope that I can live up to expectations!!” finished Bouchard hang-up the phone.

“Be careful not to get your hopes up to high?” Stated his manager.

“Why!! Riga is going to draft me at 3rd overall!!”

“That isn`t what he said!! He stated interest in drafting your player but things can always change between now and the draft as we know Vancouver Wolves slightly consider moving up to either 1st or 2nd overall to draft you but decided against it!!”

“Yeah, I guess so!! But Riga could be a contending team in a few seasons if they make the right moves!! And it a team that I want to play for!!”

“Yes, but until drafted anything can happen!!” added his manager with a bit of a lowered eye showing that Pierre should control his emotions a bit more.

“Yeah, Okay!!” Pierre stated calming down slightly, still think,"yeah Riga would be a great place to play!! I hope they draft me"

 

 

Drafted day and the nerves are high as this is the defining day where you at least spend the next three season of your playing career under a rookie contract and most likely a majority of your career, unless traded away like his father, Pierre Emile Bouchard was from New York Americans. In the end the draft was very predictable through the first five picks with Pierre Marc Bouchard being selected at 3rd overall by Riga Reign as expected after the conversation with the teams manager.

"Are you excited that you have been draft by Riga? asked his manager after the announcement of being selected 3rd overall.

"Yes, more than most would think" as he stood coolly to walk towards the stage taking off his jacket and handing it towards his manager.

"Don`t listen to the rumors of you feeling burned that you didn`t drop to Vancouver!!"

"Did I make a face again? As that isn`t what I was think at all"

"No, but that is what I am hearing the broadcasters stating right now!!"

"Oh, Why are they stating that?"

"Due to your father being a long term Wolve and ties to management through the AGM!!"

"Oh, But they have nothing to do with me when it comes to playing career"

"yeah, but players in the past have pushed the issue to say the least!!"

"Well, I am not that other player and I am extremely happy to be drafted by Riga!!"

"I know but be prepared for some questioning that!!"

"Ugh, I hate drama!!"

"Do you?" laughed the manager.

"When it relates to me!! yes!!" chuckled Bouchard.

 

 

Now Pierre Emile Bouchard like most other players in the draft will need to sign an entry level contract and also look forward to the VHLE draft were most of the players will be playing next season as they continue to develop into a full time VHL player.

[LucyXpher 1,585]

Great piece!  I liked how you described the emotions of your player leading up to his draft selection and how you addressed the rumors of wanting to go to Vancouver.  Looking forward to being teammates in Riga soon!