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THN.com Top 10: Surefire things you’ll hear on draft day

Steve Yzerman of the Detroit Red Wings speaks during the first round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft at Nationwide Arena on June 22, 2007 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Brian Costello
2008-06-18 12:14:04

The names and faces change from year to year as does the unfolding drama. But some things remain the same at each and every NHL draft.

It all starts when NHL commissioner Gary Bettman steps up to the podium to address the local crowd. It wouldn’t matter if Bettman just finished pulling a bunch of babies out from a burning building, he’d get booed.

Predictably, Bettman will counter with some kind words for the local NHL organization and the great fans of that team. The response will be a smattering of applause. Welcome to the NHL draft.

Here are 10 things you’re sure to hear June 20 in Ottawa:

10. “Boooooooooooooooo.”

9. “With the first pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, the Tampa Bay Lightning select, from the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League, center Steven Stamkos.”

8. “We think he’s a very special player.” (Even though it’s an individual speaking, ‘he’ uses the word ‘we’ with regularity because it’s all about ‘the team’ in hockey.)

7. “We’d like to congratulate the Detroit Red Wings organization on their Stanley Cup championship.”

6. “Hello to our fans at the draft party back in...”

5. “I’m going to work hard in the summer, give 110 percent in training camp and see what happens.”

4. “We’re very proud to select…”

3. “We’d like to congratulate Igor Larionov and Glenn Anderson on their recent induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame.”

2. “We had him ranked higher. We didn’t expect to get him where we did in the draft.”

1. “We’d like to thank the city of Ottawa, the Ottawa Senators organization and the fine fans of Ottawa for hosting these festivities.”

The THN.com Top 10 appears Wednesdays only on thehockeyenews.com. If you enjoy this feature, subscribe to The Hockey News magazine for the exclusive countdown, Starting From 10, and other great features from the world of hockey.

COMMENTS (14)

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Robert Posted
(2009-04-30 06:27:36)

I'm also an American and I couldn't wait for today. I've watched the draft for years now and have to say that this list is dead on and had me laughing. Of all 10 items on the list the only thing I didn't hear today were the people saluting the HOF inductees. Anyways time to go celebrate the Kings picks. Late ps...I am a NASCAR fan.

Joshua Martin Posted
(2009-04-30 06:27:23)

Well Done Craig! That is perhaps the best comment on NASCAR that I have had the pleasure of doing a spit take to.

Shannon Posted
(2009-04-30 06:27:19)

I've been laughing for 10 minutes now at how spot on and hilarious this list really is - and bloody accurate too!

Jason Posted
(2009-04-30 06:27:10)

Craig, being a die hard Flyers fan I think your list was classic.

Dee Karl Posted
(2009-04-30 06:27:07)

And when they say "the NY Islanders are pleased to select...." I will be on pins and needles at the Coliseum draft party while my two Blog Box buddies islesblogger.com Mike and TigerTracks.com Tom are on the draft floor in Ottawa holding their breath. It should be a great night! Thanks for the top 10. I think you're right on the money on ALL of them! www.7thwoman.blogspot.com

Alicia Posted
(2009-04-30 06:27:02)

I'm American and I will be watching the draft also. I always do since I became a fan in '04. Most of my interest will come from the trades that take place since the Flyers have like 27th pick but I will still be watching and Craig you are definately right about one thing Eklund is a jerk and never knows what he is talking about he always claims to have inside sources but the things he says well anyone that knows hockey could come up w/ "The Flyers are hoping to sign Carter by July 1st and talks are ongoing and he should be signed in the next 2 weeks." Really? I wonder how he knew they want to sign him before July first oh maybe they don't want to lose him and get nothing hmm maybe but I don't know I don't have "inside sources" And he's been wrong like 5 times already saying the Flyers signed Carter because he learned from "inside sources" Yep Eklund still didn't happen.

Brian Kemp Posted
(2009-04-30 06:27:02)

Craig, I thought your list was better than the one in the article, and I'm American. (Seriously, my fellow Americans, it was a joke. Learn to not take yourselves so seriously.) I love hockey, love finding out who was drafted by whom and when, but I won't be watching the draft. Sorry, just not that exciting. Maybe if the GM's had to fight for first overall. That would be great TV.

Craig Posted
(2009-04-30 06:27:01)

Wow, sorry Cid and Ms. Conduct. Meant no offense, my generalisation stands though, I don't believe there are that many of you that are aware of the event, in part due to a lack of coverage from your broadcasters. And well I am more then willing to "let go of my hate" you might want to address your own insecurities, I don't recall ever mentioning NASCAR or any of the Wars your country is in; and am very aware of the fact that your nation has been polarized by the contentious foreign affairs of your government. I also find it hard to believe that any one would like NASCAR, so I have never accused anyone of doing so. And while I am genuinely sorry if I have wounded you, I do ask that you please try to refrain from rebutting statements I never made.

Ms. Conduct Posted
(2009-04-30 06:27:00)

To Craig: "10) No one in the US will realise the event took place unless there son, grandson, or daughter's boyfriend is in the draft" You'd be wrong. I've had the Draft on my calendar since oh..it was announced and the DVR set to record it. Looking forward to watching it, like I do every year since I got interested in hockey... that would be '93, btw.

Cid from Indiana Posted
(2009-04-30 06:27:00)

Hey CRAIG, you forgot all of the nonsensical predictions the holier-than-thou, know-it-all Canadian fans will make. Seriously. Let go of your hate. Not all of us Americans are consumed with NASCAR and starting wars. :)

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