Patrik Laine: My Draft Experience

[Laine 1,361]

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

 

So, lately I have seen a lot of people from the S73 draft class doing a draft experience thing and well I read a few of them and thought they were kind of cool and decided to do my own. So, without further ado, let us begin:

 

 

PATRIK LAINE: MY DRAFT EXPERIENCE

 

I was quite nervous heading into the draft, especially how last season in Houston went. Despite us being terrible for 80% of the season, I had averaged a point per game lead the team in goals. I had heard for quite a few teams with first round selections but was anticipating to go in round 2. I had a few of my fellow Miami Marauders around my draft range like Dakota Lamb, Andre LeBastard and O Sens and I was just as excited for them to be drafted as I was for myself. I had my family and close friends around with me, including Jiggs and Minotaur who were just a row above us. They were projected to go in the second round and I thought that they'll do great wherever they went.

 

I got real nervous around pick number 9. Helsinki was one of the club that talked to me and they were my childhood favourite growing up. I remember when Helsinki's front office guys were walking up to make the selection and their GM, Jubo shot me a wink. I thought to myself "Am I really about to get drafted by my childhood team?". No better time to find out. Jubo walked up to the mic.

 

"With the 9th overall pick in the S73 VHL Draft, the Helsinki Titans are proud to select from the Miami Marauders of the VHLM, Patrik Laine!"

 

I got up with the biggest smile on my face and hugged my mom and dad. As I made my way down my row hugging my family and friends, Minott and Gumballs were waiting for me at the end. I embraced Jiggly in a bro hug and he told me "Going back to Finland, eh? You'll do great there. Congraulations Patty!" and Minott chuckled and said to me "Congratulations Patty. Just don't score too many goals on me." and we both laughed. I walked down the stairs and across the draft floor to the stage. As I walked up to the steps on the stage, The VHL Commissioners Quik and Beaviss were waiting for me. Quik and Beaviss both shook my hand and said "Welcome to the VHL. Best of luck playing for Helsinki and congratulations on getting drafted. Go meet the front office of Helsinki up ahead on stage." I proceeded to shake the hands of many Helsinki executives until I got to Jubo, who said to me "I have high hopes for you, congratulations and welcome to the Helsinki Titans." and handed me my Helsinki draft uniform. I posed on stage for pictures and that is something I would never forget.

 

I kept doing interviews throughout the night and watch my boys Jiggly and Minner get drafted. Very happy for them as they will be playing in LA together, but I am ready to score on them. Over those few hours, I realized that I had made it. Made it to the VHL.

 

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People mentioned: @Quik @Beaviss @Jubo07 @DreMin15 @JigglyGumballs