2011 NHL Entry Draft
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2011 NHL Entry Draft Hats

Nugent-Hopkins closes out memorable week

Saturday, 06.25.2011 / 8:49 PM

By Ryan Nugent-Hopkins - Special to NHL.com / Ryan Nugent-Hopkins draft blog

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Ryan Nugent-Hopkins draft blog
Nugent-Hopkins closes out memorable week
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is a center for the Red Deer Rebels of the Western Hockey League. Nugent-Hopkins, selected first overall in the WHL's 2008 bantam draft, was named the league's top rookie in 2009-10 after posting 24 goals and 65 points in 67 games. He was named the top player for Team Orr at the 2011 Home Hardware CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game on Jan. 19. Nugent-Hopkins, rated No. 1 among North American skaters on NHL Central Scouting's final report, had 31 goals, 106 points and a plus-30 rating in 69 games for Red Deer this season en route to being named the Canadian Hockey League's 'Top Prospect'. He chipped in with 4 goals, 11 points and a plus-5 rating in nine playoff games. This is the final post of a monthly blog that Nugent-Hopkins offered to maintain this season.

Well, it's been an amazing week here in Minnesota, what more can I say. I thought I'd blog one more time to offer a little recap.

Ever since I got here (last Tuesday) we had a ton of stuff going on just touring around Minnesota, and it was a lot of fun. Obviously, on Friday for the start of the draft, it was just an incredible moment.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, 2011 NHL Draft,

Getting drafted first was an amazing feeling and waking up this morning, knowing I was going to Edmonton, was a great feeling. I still can't describe it.

I think going up on stage and shaking Commissioner Gary Bettman's hand first and him saying welcome to the NHL was a really cool moment. It's something to hear him say that. And just getting up there, putting the jersey on and putting the hat on, it's all a great experience.

Gabriel (Landeskog) congratulated me when I was drafted since we were sitting close to each other ... we're good friends now. Last night we talked for a while and it seems so surreal but I couldn't be happier.

When I heard Gabe's name being announced, I was ecstatic for him and I was actually was downstairs inside so I really didn't hear who went third. But I was hoping it was Jon (Huberdeau) and when I found out it was, I was very happy for him. So it's great that those guys did so well too, and I guess I'll be playing against them one day.

To all the Edmonton Oilers fans out there, I want you to know I look forward to being a part of the club and I just can't wait to get it started.
 
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