OTTAWA - For the second year in a row, the St. Michael’s Buzzers were proud to watch as two of their players took significant steps in their hockey development with selections at the NHL Entry Draft. On Saturday morning at the Scotiabank Place in Ottawa, Ontario – site of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft - #6 Brandon Burlon became the 52nd player to be chosen when his name was called by the New Jersey Devils. Later in the day, as the draft was reaching its conclusion, #8 Nick D’Agostino became the second Buzzer to be chosen when he was taken with the second last pick in the draft, 210th overall, by the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Just one year ago, at the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, held at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, the Buzzers celebrated the selections of #14 Brendan Smith in the first round, 27th overall, by the Detroit Red Wings and #9 Louie Caporusso in the third round, 90th overall, by the Ottawa Senators. Back in 2005, Andrew Cogliano was selected in the first round, 25th overall, by the Edmonton Oilers. Following the selections of both Burlon and D’Agostino, now five Buzzers have been selected by NHL teams at the past four Entry Drafts.
Burlon’s selection caps an impressive season that saw him register 7 goals and 17 assists in 32 regular season games with the Buzzers along with representing Team Canada East, helping them earn a silver medal at the World Junior A Challenge this past November in Trail, British Columbia.
Ranked 41st overall among North American skaters by the NHL’s Central Scouting Service, some hockey pundits speculated Burlon might be selected in the 1st round but when his name was not called on Friday night, Burlon stayed positive.
“It was more relief than anything having been touted in the late first, early second round, it was a waiting game on the first night (Friday), but after I wasn’t picked I went back to the hotel and regrouped, got a good night’s sleep in and came back to the arena with a smile on my face knowing full well I was going to be picked. It wasn’t as stressful as the first night but it was fun nonetheless,” Burlon said.
Having his name called by the New Jersey Devils, Burlon joins one of the most steady franchises in the NHL, both in terms of championship success and building quality teams with a heavy emphasis on the draft.
“It’s great knowing that. I’ve often been told by a lot of guys that Lou Lamoriello is often regarded as one of the most brilliant minds in the NHL the way he drafts and runs the organization,” Burlon added when asked what it is like knowing that a team like the Devils wants him.
Even after reaching a milestone in his hockey career that very few people ever get to experience, Burlon’s outlook remained focused and he acknowledged the hard work that lies ahead in order to take advantage of the position he is now in.
“It’s a pretty normal thing other than the fact that you’re taken by an NHL club. You go out and celebrate after but even the day I got back (from Ottawa), you put your nose to the grindstone and go work out,” said the Buzzer’ assistant captain from 2007-2008. “Just because you’re drafted doesn’t mean your going to the NHL. It’s a humbling experience but by the same token, you’ve got to hold your end of the bargain.”
Now property of the New Jersey Devils, Burlon will look to further his development next season with 2008 Frozen Four semi finalists, the University of Michigan Wolverines of the NCAA where he will reunite with former Buzzer teammate Louie Caporusso, who will be entering into his sophomore season.
Nick D’Agostino came into his rookie campaign last season with the Buzzers as a relatively unproven player but as the season wore on; he confidently asserted his position on the team and opened many eyes, including those of NCAA and NHL scouts.
He contributed 5 goals and 18 assists in 46 games with the Buzzers but really seemed to take off when he was given the opportunity to play significant minutes on the blueline during the absences of teammates #7 Justin Troiani and #6 Brandon Burlon in early November, both of whom were representing Team Canada East at the World Junior A Challenge.
Not ranked though by the NHL’s Central Scouting Service heading into the draft, D’Agostino kept his expectations realistic. “You try not to think about it too much. I knew a couple teams were interested but I really wasn’t expecting it to happen. If anything happened, it was more of a bonus,” D’Agostino explained following his selection by the Penguins. “It was like my mindset going into the year. My main focus was the St. Mike’s Buzzers and anything else (that happened) was a bonus.”
As the 2008 NHL Entry Draft was winding down, it seemed D’Agostino may have to wait another year but with just two selections remaining, the wait finally came to an end when he heard his name called.
“I was just obviously excited. Pittsburgh’s a great organization and just to have your name engraved in NHL history, it was very humbling and I was very honoured,” D’Agostino said when asked what went through his mind when he heard his name called by this year’s Stanley Cup Finalists.
|