HITMEN DRAFT PROFILE - FOCHT

Whatever happens, happens.
Hitmen forward Carson Focht knows exactly where he is listed on NHL Central Scouting and knows that anything could happen on draft day.
The 18-year-old is as even keel as they come with the 2018 NHL Draft just a week away.
"It's what you work for your whole life and it's one step from making your ultimate goal of making the NHL come true," he said. "If I get drafted that's great, if I don't that's okay too. I'm not worried too much about what will happen because I know either way it's after the draft the real work begins.
"I'm excited to see what the future holds for me."

After being acquired from the Tri-City Americans in a six-player trade in January, Focht saw his stock rise as he earned more ice time with the Hitmen, being the biggest mover of the four Calgary skaters listed on NHL Central Scouting going from #200 on the mid-term rankings to #155.
The centreman found his groove almost immediately when he joined the Hitmen and got the chance he was waiting for with the young club.
"I love playing in Calgary," he said. "It's a great experience with all my teammates and the coaching staff making me feel so welcomed from the start and helping me take my game to that next step.
"Being one of the guys to be relied on in certain situations really gave me the confidence I needed in myself and in my game to show that I could take on those bigger roles."

The expanded role paid dividends, as Focht ended with 17 points, (7G, 10A) in 32 games with the Hitmen to bring his season totals to 33 points in 69 contests.
Playing top six minutes alongside fellow draft eligible forward Tristen Nielsen and Hitmen rookie Cael Zimmerman provided the club a young trio with the perfect chemistry to be called upon in key moments.
"Taking on that responsibly was something I was really craving in the WHL and when I got that chance I ran with it," he said. "Playing alongside those guys made my game easier and they are both so talented.
"I wanted to give it my all to the team every single day."
With a number of teams meeting with the forward during the course of the season and after the campaign ended, it was a surreal moment and finally hit that he could one day play in the NHL.
It's something he kept in the back of his mind all year and now draws back on the conversations he had with them to further elevate his game.
"It was an amazing experience in talking with them but it was something I tried to not give too much thought until the season had ended," Focht said.
"The biggest thing I did take away from talking with them is that the work never stops and you have to keep battling and prove yourself each day."