Monahan ready to start NHL future in Calgary

Sean Monahan, NHL Central Scouting's No. 5-rated skater among the top draft-eligible prospects in North America, is a center for the Ottawa 67's of the Ontario Hockey League. The 6-foot-2.25, 187-pound forward led his team with 31 goals, 47 assists, 15 power-play goals and 78 points in 58 games this season for the 67's. Monahan, who was voted among the top three players in four separate categories during the OHL Eastern Conference Coaches Poll in March, has maintained a blog for NHL.com this season leading up to the NHL Draft in Newark, N.J.

NEWARK, N.J. -- I woke at about 6:30 a.m. this morning. I really couldn't sleep last night. I was trying to, but I kept waking myself up.

We had a little breakfast for some of the prospects this morning, so I went there with my mom and dad to have a good breakfast before the big day. I had some eggs and a little bacon and some fruit.

We went back to the hotel and I was able to spend some time with my family who are here. We headed over to the arena, and we got here at about 12:30. We got here early, because I obviously didn't want to be late for this.

I had some more time to spend with my family and my friends beforehand.

I didn't have to wait very long, which was pretty awesome. Being drafted by Calgary was something I really wanted, and I couldn't be happier about it.

It was a pretty emotional time when I was picked. I didn't expect it to be like that, but there were a lot of hugs and it was an awesome experience. It was a great experience, and to be drafted by Calgary made it even better.

I didn't know where I was going to be drafted. We thought there was a range from 5-10. I thought I left a good impression with Calgary, and it seemed like a good fit for me. I enjoyed being there, and I can't wait to go back and get started.

I know the Calgary organization has a lot of passion for hockey and a lot of great fans. I'm looking forward to getting there and hopefully making an impression on the fans. I really want to do whatever I can to make that team this year. That's my biggest goal. I want to make the team and be an impact player and then just go from there.

When the Flames' staff interviewed me before the draft, they wanted to know if I was ready for the NHL. They asked me a lot of questions about what type of person I am to get to know me better. I thought I left a good impression, and I couldn't be happier to be picked by them.

When I shook general manager Jay Feaster's hand today, he welcomed me to the Flames family and told me to enjoy the day and congratulations.

I'm not sure what I have to do the rest of the day, but I'm looking forward to spending some time with my friends and family that are here and then see what Calgary wants me to do.

Before I go, I wanted to say that I was just there in Calgary two weeks ago. Obviously I was there before the flood, but I have been watching what was going on in the city. It is really sad with people losing their houses. I wish I could do something for them.

It is tough and I feel bad for the people in Calgary. I hope everyone is OK, and I know it is a strong city. I look forward to being there soon.