Claimed:Don Draper Bio

[Will 4,660]

Early Life/Minor Hockey

    Stratford, Ontario. Donald Francis Draper was born to his parents, Richard and Betty, on March 8^th 1994. Stratford was a small and tight-knit community, located about 2 hours outside of Toronto. It was one of those places where if one neighbor knew, you can be sure the rest would know in time. Don’s father was an executive at a major advertising firm in the city and subsequently spent a lot of time away from home. For the majority of his childhood, it was just Don and his mother at their home in Stratford.

 

Draper's hometown of Stratford, Ontario.

 

Around the age of six, Don’s mother decided it was time he started getting some physical activity instead of sitting around all day and, much to Don’s dismay, enrolled him in the local hockey league. Bearing the jersey of the novice league Stratford Snipers, this is where Donald Draper laid the very foundation of his abilities. Although Don’s initial choice to enter the world of hockey was one that was made for him, he quickly began to enjoy the sport. By the time he got to Atom, Don was standing out from the other kids. He was known for his quick feet and beautiful skating. Unfortunately, Don was cut in the last round at Atom AAA tryouts because he didn’t seem to have a particular knack for scoring. However, looking back on that moment, Don says it was quite possibly the best thing that ever happened to his career.

 

After getting cut, Don went to the Atom AA tryouts. It was here where he met the coach that he claims made him the player he is today; Coach Marty Daniels. It was him who was the first one to suggest to Don that he try playing defense. Don was, at first, a little hesitant but decided that he would keep an open mind about it. After doing some practices with the defense coach and playing a couple games, Don was sold on defense. He was perfect. Fast enough to catch any opponent, quick enough with his hands and feet to shut down play after play, and, although there is no hitting in Atom, big and strong enough to get in front of people.

 

Juniors

 

After climbing through the ranks in minor hockey, Don was playing Junior A hockey. He was 18 and had only a few months left of school. He never really excelled in school and, although he never explicitly said it, Don’s parents knew he had no interest in university. It was in April that he received the call he had been hoping for. An OHL team, the Ottawa 67’s, had taken an interest in him. Despite being very wealthy, Don’s father wanted him to learn what it was like living on his own without him doing it for him. So, instead of giving Don the financial support he needed to go to Ottawa, he set Don up with a low-paying day job at one of his firm’s sister companies based in Ottawa. It wasn’t uncommon for Don to have to go straight from work to the rink, or straight to the bus station to travel wherever they were playing that night.

 

Draper waiting for the bus.

 

Don had a very successful stint during his tenure with the 67’s. He emerged quickly as one of the top defenceman in the league and was subsequently rewarded with a position on the starting defensive pairing and an ‘A’ on his jersey.

 

Entrance to the VHLM

 

After two highly successful years in the OHL, Don’s agent told him he was sure he’d be picked up in the top ten in the NHL entry draft. However, when Don called his father to tell him the news, suggested a different path. Richard Draper’s advertising firm had done a lot of contract work for the VHL in the past. As a result, Richard was very close with VHL commissioner Mitch Higgins. After talking to Higgins, Richard assured Don that he would have a much better career playing in the VHL. After making the decision, Donald Draper was drafted 10^th overall in the VHLM dispersal draft to the Yukon Rush.

 

 

Pros

 

Leadership: Don has picked up many of his father’s personality traits that have shaped him into a natural born leader. His stern yet supportive attitude and personality demand nothing but respect. His teammates describe Don as someone who has a “way with words” because of his ability to, however grim the circumstances, rally the team and ensure every single player steps onto the ice with their head held high.

 

Checking: Don is very athletic and strong. Many observers in the OHL have compared Draper to the likes of Scott Stevens for the crushing hits he has delivered on guys coming down on him. Additionally, his speed and agility make him the “perfect storm” to sneak up on unsuspecting opponents and lay them out. Don also knows how to deliver a “clean” hit perfectly; hardly ever taking penalties on his hits.

 

Skating: Don has an immense amount of speed in his all-powerful stride. In the OHL, he’s been known to catch up to even the fastest of forwards. Often times, Don can be seen using his speed in the defensive zone to set up a perfect outlet pass to one of his counterparts on forward. He takes advantage of his speed wherever he can.

 

Cons

 

Scoring: Despite having a big shot on the point, Don has never been known for his offensive abilities. Typically when he gets on the point, unless he’s sure he has a clear shot, he will either look for a partner pass or feed it in to one of the forwards. Ever since his coach in Atom told him he didn't have the knack for scoring, he’s been focused on defense. His coaches have tried to convince him to start taking some chances and he’s been working to improve his scoring by spending some quality time with the offensive coach.

 

Puck Handling: Sometimes Draper’s feet get a little bit ahead of the rest of his body. He often has trouble holding onto the puck when he gets going fast and as a result he has caused a few turn overs. He needs to take his time, control his speed, and focus on where the puck is on his stick. He has been working on his stick handling a lot, however, and hopes to continue to improve.

 

Temper: Don hasn't always been known to have the coolest of heads. Throughout his career in the OHL, Don often let the other team get in his head and took silly penalties as a result. Additionally, he has received more than a few misconducts for chirping referees after an unfavorable call. After he received his ‘A’ on the 67’s, we noticed a sharp decline the Draper’s PIMS so hopefully he will continue to stay cool. 

[eaglesfan036 4,602]

Overview: 3/3 - Very good write up on the history of Draper. It seems that every pro sports player has that one coach that greatly impacted their career, and for Draper it was Coach Daniels (and hopefully me   ). I also liked the part when Draper's dad forced him to get a job instead of just paying for his hockey career, as this helped Draper develop the work ethic that has made him into a great player. Great job.

 

Grammar: 2/2 - I couldn't find anything. Excellent!

 

Presentation: 1/1 -  Looks good. I should give you extra credit for the Yukon picture.

 

Pros: 2/2 - Just over 200 words. Being a fast skater and good checker should make for some powerful hits.

 

Cons: 2/2 -  250 words. Having a temper along with being a good checker should be fun.

 

Overall: 10/10

 

Final: 10/10

[Ball 453]

Claimed