ROOKIE SCOUTING REPORT
Left-Wing - Nick Barry
Ranked: #55 By NHL Central Scouting
Junior Team: London Knights(OHL)
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 205lbs.
DOB: 9/27/90
Shoots: Left
Play-style: Powerforward
Strengths: Checking, Slapshot, Aggressiveness, Leadership, Two-Way Awareness, Clutch Ability, Speed, Durability
Weaknesses: Passing, Wristshot Accuracy, Acceleration, Discipline, Streakiness, Deking, Agility, Puck Control
Hometown: Buffalo, New York USA
I was awoken abruptly by my phone alarm ringing, to the tune of "Lithium" by Nirvana, my favorite song and favorite band of all time. I wiped the sleep from my eyes, and watched as my scouting report flashed across the TV screen, on TSN Sportscentre. It was the morning of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. As I climbed out of bed, and grabbed my shirt from the floor of the hotel room, it finally hit me. My parents had sacrificed so much, and I had worked so hard, and finally it was almost time for me to live the dream of every young hockey player. I was in Ottawa, with my family and friends, chasing my lifelong dream, of becoming an NHL player. I woke my roomate, Jason Skyland up by throwing a couch cushion onto his bed. Jason and I were teamates, linemates, and best friends, ever since we began playing together on the London Knights in the Ontario Hockey League, nearly two years ago. "Damn man, it's almost time. I can't freakin' believe it, we're about to be drafted into the NHL.", I said, as I started getting ready. I couldn't eat, I was so excited, and nervous.
"I know, it's crazy. We've gotten this far in our careers, it's almost surreal to think we can actually get drafted", said Jason as he brushed his teeth. As I thought to myself, there was a knock on our door. It was both of our parents, they were all ready to head down to Scotia Bank Place, for the start of the draft. I checked my phone, and read the text from one of my mentors, Pat Kaleta, another Buffalo kid and player for the team I worshipped all through my childhood and hoped to get drafted by, the Buffalo Sabres.
"Hey, just wanted to wish you luck kid. You've worked so damn hard, and I can't wait to see who you get drafted by. I look forward to kicking your *** around a real NHL rink in the near future, LOL. - PK" was the message. I laughed and showed Jason, as we greeted our parents, and walked to the elevator. Not much was said in the elevator, as the tension and excitement kept us silent. No one knew what to say. The elevator dinged, and our little group walked through the lobby, and out into the world, heading towards our future.
The draft started off, with dynamic scorer Steven Stamkos going to the Tampa Bay Lightning. After what seemed like forever, I got a kick from Jason, and snapped out of my daze. "The Penguins are up next man, I want to see who they pick." said Jason, nearly having a fit of excitement. We both watched as Ray Shero, and Michel Therrien, GM and Head Coach of the Penguins respectivley, made their way to the podium. "The Pittsburgh Penguins are very happy to select, from the London Knights of the OHL, right-wing.. Jason Skyland!" said Shero. I thought to myself, "HOLY S**T!, Jason just got drafted!" and my thoughts mimicked Jason's expression, as his jaw nearly dropped to the floor, as he was bombarded with hugs and pats on the back. I gave him a little shove, and he stood up, and nearly sprinted down to the podium, and recieved his jersey, with #96 already stitched on it. I watched as Jason was escorted away to do a bunch of interviews. He has been touted as the "Next One" for years, putting up insane amounts of points. As I watched a few more teams pick, Buffalo drafted a giant defenseman, 6'7" Tyler Myers. I felt a mix of happiness and jealousy. I was in a daze again, when I heard Commisioner Gary Bettman on the PA. "Excuse me, we have a trade to announce. The Buffalo Sabres have traded their 2nd Round pick in 2008, and the rights to goaltender Nick Eno, in exchange for Detroit's 1st Round pick, 30th overall in this year's draft. Buffalo, you're now on the clock." I thought that was a bit weird, and I looked at my dad, who gave me a slight grin. My heart started pounding, and I started praying. GM Darcy Regier, Coach Lindy Ruff, Assistant Coach James Patrick, and former Sabres enforcer Rob Ray, stepped up to the podium. I started sweating and shaking slightly. "With our 2nd pick of the 1st round, we are so very proud to draft, from the OHL's London Knights, left-wing Nick Barry!" At that moment, it felt like a tidal wave hit me, as I was bombarded by my family and friends. "Congrats kid, You just got drafted by the freaking SABRES! I knew you could so it, I'm so ******* proud of you!" said my dad, who gave me a bear hug. I hugged my mom, high-fived everyone and anyone, and walked down to the podium. Everything was a blur, I couldn't even think. I shook Regier's hand, and was greeted by Coach Ruff, James Patrick, and one of my heros grwoing up, Rob Ray. "Congrats kid, welcome to the Sabres" said Regier, as he handed me my jersey, with my number, 81 and name stitched on. I slipped my new blue&gold jersey on, as I had my first photo taken with it on. It sure felt incredible to be wearing an official Sabres jersey with my name and number on it.
We walked back to the Sabres table, and I was greeted by someone unexpected. Another player I idolized, Thomas Vanek. "Congrats, Nick. I look forward to seeing you in the blue and gold, and maybe on my other wing someday." said Vanek, as I shook hands with him. I was interviewed by TSN, CBC, Sportsnet, ESPN, NHL Network, and several newspapers, before Darcy Regier gave me his number, and said, "Congrats once again kid, we'll be in touch. Keep out of trouble, and start getting ready for training camp. Good luck.", and with that, Jason, both of our families, and I departed the arena, and went to celebrate. I was still in disbelief. I have the opportunity to play for my hometown and favorite team, under the bright lights of the NHL. I had never expected to be drafted in the 1st Round, so it was a total shock to me. I checked my phone, and had 77 unread texts, and 35 missed calls. I started looking through them, and replied to all, thanking everyone who had congratulated me. Old teammates, friends, other family members, my billet family, and a few of my old coaches had all texted or called. We all walked into a restaurant, and I just let it all soak in. I was going to be a professional hockey player...
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