It's Not About How You Start... [Final 6/6]

[Zero 114]

It's Not About How You Start...

 

As the VHL gets set to undertake its 45th Entry Draft in league history, a plethora of young players are hoping to see their name picked in order to continue painting the picture of their hockey career. Of course, every player in this draft class dreams about going first overall, and scouts, media figures, and fans alike are still debating about who the Helsinki Titans will select with that fateful first pick. However, the draft only represents a beginning to a player's career, and while being drafted early looks and feels good, it is meaningless unless the player makes something of it. Also, being passed over a few times is far from a death sentence, as we have seen many times throughout VHL history.

 

There's no doubt, though: everyone wants to be #1. Hockey players are a competitive breed, and being selected before all of your peers is a very shiny pin to hang on your lapel. Furthermore, 16 Hall of Fame players have been drafted first overall, which is, unsurprisingly, more than any other draft position. From Christian Stolzschweiger in Season 2 all the way up to Ethan Osbourne in Season 30 - and I'm sure other, more recent first overall picks will soon be added to the list - we know that being #1 certain sets you on the right path.

 

 

That said, the saying is "the bigger they are, the harder they fall." That #1 spot brings a lot of praise and accolades, but with it come expectations and pressure. While most #1 overall picks have delivered, those that falter cannot avoid the dreaded "bust" tag. While the discussion on what makes a player a "bust" is ongoing and, ultimately, subjective, for some who expect a #1 overall pick to be a franchise saviour or a generational talent, even an above-average career is not good enough.

 

And of course, being drafted #1 - or even in the first round - is not the only method to VHL success. In the Hall of Fame, a total of 11 players were drafted outside of the first round, and 3 weren't even drafted in the 2nd round. While Alex McNeil is a product of the initial dispersal draft, you also have Jardy Bunclewirth at 18th overall in Season 16, as well as Alex Gegeny at 22nd overall in Season 5. What did all of those players have in common? Work ethic. To them, it didn't matter where they were drafted, because they put in the hours  throughout their careers to ensure that they made the most of their time in the VHL.

 

 

Of course, being a Hall of Famer isn't necessary for having had a successful VHL career, but for all those players with stars in their eyes for the Season 45 Entry Draft, the Season 46 Entry Draft, and beyond, they should keep this in mind. If you put in the work, stick around, and get a little bit lucky out on the ice, then it's not about how you start - it's about how you finish.

[Phil 5,119]

BUT THIS MEANS NO PODCAST THIS WEEK!

 

Oh well - the read was worth it. Well done

[Zero 114]

I got like 4 questions last time (albeit 4 good ones) so maybe I need to drop down to a Podcast every 2 weeks.

[Mike 708]

I think the sheer number of casts causes a question problem Phil and Zero should join podcast forces.

[Tylar 219]

Content: 3/3 - I remember with Brody Hodgson, I was like a late second round pick I think, and I ended up with around 800 tpe. Nice media spot about how draft position doesn't matter, it's what you do after the fact that does.

Grammar: 2/2 - Didn't catch anything.

Appearance: 1/1 - Looks nice.

Overall: 6/6