Saint John to host 2017 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League draft

Saint John has been chosen to host the 2017 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) draft.

QMJHL Commissioner Gilles Corteau was in the port city Monday for the official announcement. The entry draft and league meetings will take place from May 31 to June 4.

Joe Veleno was last year’s first overall pick. He says it was the best day of his life.

“It’s every kid’s dream,” Veleno said.”Just being drafted, whether it’s QMJHL or NHL, whatever it is, it’s the best feeling in the world”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's every kid's dream," Veleno said."Just being drafted, whether it's QMJHL or NHL, whatever it is, it's the best feeling in the world"

Discover Saint John says the event is expected to conservatively generate about $1.5 million to the Saint John economy.

“We’re seeing 18 teams bring a minimum of 18 people with them but we know that’s just that’s the people at the tables,” said Discover Saint John’s Victoria Clarke.

“That’s not the moms and dads and the families and the supporters of those individual teams.”

Saint John is home to the QMJHL team the Sea Dogs.