Connor: Draft day was amazing

Kyle Connor, No. 13 on NHL Central Scouting's final ranking of the top North American skaters eligible for the 2015 NHL Draft, concluded his third season with the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League in 2014-15. Committed to the University of Michigan in 2015-16, the 6-foot-1, 177-pound center had 34 goals and a League-leading 80 points in 56 games for the Phantoms this season. Connor has offered to maintain a blog for NHL.com leading up to the 2015 NHL Draft in Sunrise, Fla. His final entry comes from the BB&T Center in Sunrise, Fla., after he was selected by the Winnipeg Jets with the No. 17 pick Friday night.

My draft was night amazing!

I got a little bit of sleep Thursday night. I was definitely a little nervous thinking about it Thursday night.

I got up Friday around 10; I wanted to sleep in a little bit. Then I had breakfast and just kind of relaxed. Where we're staying there's a pool so I relaxed around there and tried to enjoy the day.

As soon as I got to the building the butterflies set in. As soon as I sat down I realized, wow, I've finally got to this point.

You never know what can happen at the draft, a lot of trades. So I wasn't looking for any specific team. I went into it trying to enjoy the process because it only happens once.

When the Jets called my name with the 17th pick, it was an unbelievable feeling. All the support I've had throughout my whole career growing up, my family and friends. Both my parents supported me through everything.

The first person I hugged after being picked was my dad. He's been instrumental in my career in hockey. He showed me the game and helped teach me to have the passion I have for it now.

Going up on stage and pulling on the Jets jersey, it was unbelievable. You never know what it's going to feel like until you actually put it on. It's a dream come true.

Now that it's all over I'm going home to Michigan. I'm going to the University of Michigan next season so I'll be training up there, and taking some classes. Just focusing on next season.

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Follow Kyle Connor on Twitter: @KyleConnor18