2018 NHL Draft Diary: Kevin Bahl

EDITOR'S NOTE: Defenseman Kevin Bahl (6-foot-6, 216 pounds) of Ottawa in the Ontario Hockey League is No. 29 in NHL Central Scouting's final list of North American skaters eligible for the 2018 NHL Draft. Bahl had 18 points (one goal, 17 assists), 76 penalty minutes and 58 shots on goal in 58 regular-season games. The left-handed shot has offered to maintain a draft diary for NHL.com, leading up to the NHL Draft in Dallas. His final post comes after he was selected by the Arizona Coyotes in second round (No. 55).
Hello hockey fans. It's been a really fun experience for me here in Dallas.
I went to the first round last night, even though I thought I'd go somewhere in the second round. But I'm just a person who just hates seeing people go ahead of me. Even if they're the best player in the draft, it still grinds my gears. Every pick that goes ahead of you, it's like, "What do I have to do to get better?" It's just very nerve-racking.
When it was over Friday night, me and my family went to a steakhouse for dinner. They tried to cool me down and said, "There's nothing you have to worry about, there's still a lot of picks to go." Words can't describe what goes through your head because everything's kind of leading up to this point, everything you've ever done.

I got up about 8 a.m. today, and when I got to the arena my mood was whatever happens, happens. Whatever team takes you wants you the most, believes in your abilities, and I'll just be happy to be with that team.
I had no idea Arizona was interested in me. I actually for a second thought it was going to be Washington. They were picking No. 47 and they said, "Ottawa 67s" and I looked at my sister, Christina, but then they said, "Kody Clark," and I said, "Oh, no." But I do feel amazing for Kody. He's worked his tail off his whole career.
When the Coyotes finally called my name, it was amazing. I looked at my sister and she had the greatest smile on her face. Mom was almost in tears, dad was extremely happy. Everything goes through your head in that one moment.
I got to go down to the Coyotes draft table and met some of the scouts and people there, they just said "Congratulations, welcome to the team."
Next for me is development camp, which starts Monday. I don't have any of my gear with me, so it's going to be a little bit interesting how this all works now. But I'm really looking forward to my first trip to the desert.
Thanks to everyone for following along all season.