Upshall and Higgins Talk About Draft Day
TORONTO (TheFourthPeriod.com) –
“What can I say about today? It’s awesome! It’s a dream come true.
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I’m just glad I can spend it with my family and friends.”
Those are the words of ever draftee out there. Mind you, in actuality, they
are the words of Scottie
Upshall, the 6th overall pick in the 2002 Entry Draft, but you kind of get
the hint.
“It’s a wonderful time for all of us here,” said Upshall. “We’re
all kids who dream of this. To experience it today is just fantastic.”
Drafted by the Nashville Predators, the 18-year-old right-winger scored 32
goals and added 51 assists in 61 games last season with the WHL’s Kamloops
Blazers.
“I looked over at the table to a couple of the scouts,” explained
Upshall. “I saw them looking up at me. I tapped my mom, and I’m like,
‘You know, this could be it.’ She was pretty emotional. It’s
a special time.”
The Predators, who are critically lacking in the offensive category, feel Upshall
is the entire package.
“I believe that’s one of the main reasons why I’m a Nashville
Predator now,” he said. “You look at guys like Scott Hartnell, Dan
Hamhuis… guys who like to play the rough stuff. I just can’t want
to go down there and meet then and play along side them.”
With the 14th pick, earlier acquired from Edmonton for the 15th and 245th overall
picks, the Montreal Canadiens drafted 5’11 American centerman Chris
Higgins.
“I think my mom was freaking out more than I did,” Higgins jokingly
said. “She started screaming. She knows how much I like the team. There’s
a lot of tradition behind this jersey. It’s a great honor.”
Higgins totaled 13 goals and 16 assists in 25 games with Yale University this
past season. He led all ECAC rookies in scoring.
“It’s pretty much a surprise to be picked this high,” he said,
“but I’m feeling pretty confident I can do what the hope, at least.”