THE DAY MY LIFE CHANGED FOREVER

I remember being at the Marriott in Ottawa for the draft in 2005. It was a lockout year so the NHL didn’t use a stadium like normal. I was sitting at a round table with my sisters, my parents, and my girlfriend at the time, while other prospects and their families did the same in the same room. I remember watching the camera crew as they would give away the next pick before the pick was officially announced.

Watching my old teammates Bobby Ryan (World Juniors) and Jack Johnson (NTDP) getting picked immediately after Crosby was so fun to watch, I remember being so proud of them, so happy for them. I remember feeling like a kid, the same little kid that grew up in a blue collar neighborhood in Madison, Wisconsin. The same kid who dreamed his whole life to play in the NHL. The same kid that never believed it could truly happen… and it was happening.

The camera crew came to my table right before Chicago’s pick at #7. I looked at my dad, he was in tears. My two sisters, Maggie and Claire, shocked, and also crying. My mom, crying and so proud. This was a moment I will never forget. My favorite team as I was growing up, the Chicago Blackhawks are going to pick me?! 7th overall?! No way…

“With the 7th pick of the draft, the Blackhawks select Jack Skille…”

My life was changed forever.

Good luck to all of the prospects in this year’s draft. May all your dreams and aspirations come true. I hope you all have long and healthy careers in the best league in the world!