Many young hockey players fulfilled a lifelong dream this weekend when they were drafted into the NHL. Among the 35 players selected from the Western Hockey League, were two Lethbridge Hurricanes – forward Giorgio Estephan and defenceman Andrew Nielsen.
Nielsen heard his name called in the third round, 65th overall by the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Red Deer native developed nicely throughout his rookie season with the ‘Canes putting up 24 points in 59 games. The 6’3, 210 pounder has the size that is coveted by many NHL teams. For Nielsen the experience of being drafted is one he’ll never forget.
“Honestly I was in shock. I just kind of stood up and I was blown away. I just had to take a step back, I didn’t really believe it at first,” said Nielsen. “I think it’s still taking a while to sink in, just the magnitude of the situation.”
Three rounds after Nielsen was picked, his teammate Giorgio Estephan went off the board. The Buffalo Sabres snagged the ‘Canes centre in the sixth round, 152nd overall. An Edmonton native, Estephan put up 51 points in 64 games with the Hurricanes this past season. While the draft is a moment he’ll always remember, Estephan knows there is still a long road ahead.
“Being drafted is the first step,” said Estephan. “But the work piles on even more once you got your foot in the door, but you have to try and get through that door and make strides to play in the NHL one day.”
Both Estephan and Nielsen will attend training camps with their NHL teams, but are expected to be back with the Hurricanes for the upcoming season.
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