Well the NHL is headed to Vegas this weekend for the draft and awards show this weekend.
And you know who else is going? Over 30 people from Cochrane, former Cochrane residents, as well as some GTA people. Why? Because a young man with Cochrane roots is about to become a very high draft pick this weekend.
Sam O'Reilly is the young man in question and both his mom and dad were born and raised in Cochrane. Sam was born in Toronto but the tie to Cochrane is undeniable. Sam still spends part of the summers in Cochrane where he still has close family and friends. Sam's dad Chuck, quite the athlete himself, grew up playing hockey with and becoming lifelong friends with several guys in Cochrane that I know very well. And they are super excited for the O'Reilly family and a number are already in Las Vegas awaiting the draft.
Sam is a 2006 birthdate and is a 6'1", 176 pound, right-hand shot who excels at either centre or right wing. You may have seen him play this past season with the London Knights as they captured an OHL title and ended up in the final of the Memorial Cup.
Sam had 20 goals and 36 assists for London and was a plus 32. He added four points in four games at the Memorial Cup.
Regardless of most draft rankings, he is generally regarded as an early second-round pick. But a little birdie seems to feel that a late first round selection is not out of the question. So I have been told.
Regardless, Sam (and his family) are about to enjoy the fruits of the countless hours, days, and years of commitment, dedication, desire and sacrifice needed to get to this point. It is only the first step to becoming an NHLer that will require the same work ethic to attain, but it is the culmination of his climb through the ranks as an amateur.
His combination of skill and perseverance bode well for a young man with a bright future.
Some of the Cochrane boys have promised to send a few pictures and some quotes or stories from Vegas that I hope we will have in time for next week's column.
I originally got a head's up about this story from the parents of one of my former players from Cochrane. Thanks B and V.
Four straight wins in an NHL final is ultra rare. So I guess it's no great surprise that the Oilers' miraculous run fell just short last night. Like a lot of people, I really thought Edmonton was going to pull it off and they almost did. It was a big ask though.
The team had electrified the City of Edmonton as well as Oilers' fans nationwide. I think that next year will see a return to the final for the Oil with a far more different result.
And the NHL got the Conn Smythe completely right.
As much as I really wanted an Oiler win it was very nice to see another northern boy get his name on the Cup. Sault native Paul Maurice joins an illustrious group from the Soo that have won a Stanley Cup.
So you want to be an NHL GM. July 1 sees 565 restricted free agents and unrestricted free agents . (Free Agents)
Now a lot of those listed are not NHL regulars but could end up so. The bottom line is NHL front offices will have a lot of work to do not only in the coming days but throughout the summer until training camps. A number of contending teams can not only pick up a gem of a player, but also provide the depth players needed to get them over the hump. Obviously teams have been preparing for this all year, but finding the right fit takes a lot of leg work and research. Add to that some solid performances by some free agents in the playoffs and the search for a key addition gets that much harder. Janmark and Brown give credence to that notion.
It's not just the big names that can make your team better. A lot of names not common to most fans can make a good team even that much better.
Later skater.
Have a tip or comment for Mully? Send us an email.
