The Philadelphia Flyers had a string of good luck on Saturday April 29, 2017. They moved up 11 slots to the 2nd overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft. This pick could be a potential life changing turn of events for this proud franchise. I was fortunate enough to have a phone interview with the potential 2nd overall pick Nolan Patrick yesterday, and he leaves no doubt why he should be a significant mainstay in the NHL.
Nolan Patrick was born September 9, 1998, in Winnipeg, MB, CAN. He started ice skating at a young age and instantly fell in love with the sport of hockey. He eventually found his groove playing for the Brandon Wheat Kings in the WHL. Patrick had a coming out party for them in the 2015-16 season amassing 41 goals, and 61 assists for a total of 102 points in 72 games played. One would think his coaches helped developed him into the player he is today, but his answer may surprise you.
“Well my dad and uncle played pro hockey. But, my dad defined me. He’s been an inspiration in my life. He has always been there for me. I can come to him for anything hockey related. My family is a huge part of my life, and they help make me into a better player.”
In the 2016-17 season for the Brandon Wheat Kings, Patrick had a solid season totalling 20 goals, and 26 assists for a total of 46 points in 33 games played. He just has a knack of knowing where to be and where. With how happy he may seem with being on the verge of being drafted into the NHL, he admits there is still work to do.
“I couldn’t be happier at this time. This is an exciting time for my family and I. I’m stoked to put in all this hard work and all…its an unbelievable feeling. One that I will never take for granted. Sometimes you only get one chance.”
Patrick then exclaims, “But I realize I can get better. I tried working on my footwork in the off season. I felt I needed to get better. My hands are pretty good though (Laughing and Giggling).”
Patrick’s dad and uncle played professional hockey. He just wants to follow in their foot steps. Apparently skating is not only a natural thing for the Winnipeg area, but it helped him fall in love with the sport of hockey.
“I started skating at a young age. Its part of your blood up here. I instantly fell in love with hockey, much like I love sushi (Laughing).”
If a person has watched Patrick play for the Brandon Wheat Kings, then one would notice his smooth silky hands. There is an active player in the NHL he molds his game by, but also has something neat to say to the fans of the city that selects him.
“I’m hardworking in the off season by hitting the weight room, much like Anze Kopitar. I imitate my game after Kopitar. I just try to be the best player as I can by sticking to my pre game regimen.”
Patrick further exclaims,
“To the fans I’m a passionate guy. I want to win. I know they want to win. You’re getting an energy type player who works very hard. I stop at nothing, and just want to succeed.”
The Flyers could benefit from a natural goal scorer in Patrick, so there is no doubt he becomes a Flyer with the second overall pick if he’s still on the board. He has good hands, and knows how to pass the puck. Patrick has become a solid two way player at his young age, and there is little doubt he will be a mainstay in the NHL.
Follow me on Twitter @JameyBaskow for all Flyers updates.
