My Draft Day: Oliver Wahlstrom

While Oliver Wahlstrom was waiting for his name to be called at the 2018 NHL Draft in Dallas, the young forward was doing some self-reflection in the stands.

Ahead of him were 31 different paths, but Wahlstrom was thinking about the one that brought him to Dallas that day.

"You live for that your whole life, training, going to boarding schools, playing high school hockey, middle school hockey," Wahlstrom said. "When you're there, everything kind of comes out, the appreciation for your family, your friends, coaches everyone who got you there."

The first person Wahlstrom hugged when he was selected 11th overall by the Islanders was his sister, April, and he vividly remembers the reaction from his father Joakim.

"My dad was going nuts and just to see him with a big smile on his face after all he did, I mean that was that was the coolest part," Wahlstrom said. "Seeing my dad and my sister, they were so happy for me and they sacrificed a lot, so things like that are special."

The Islanders had the 11th and 12th picks in the 2018 Draft, but despite holding two relatively high picks, Wahlstrom had no inclination the Isles had targeted him. Whether it was the surprise of being picked, or just the emotions pouring out of him, Wahlstrom said hearing his name was an out-of-body experience.

"When I heard my name, I stood up and I didn't feel anything in my body," Wahlstrom said, "I almost had to grab the railing in front of me like it was just a kind of a shock. It was really cool and to be able to walk up on stage and shake the commissioner's hand like you watch when you're little it's pretty cool."

Wahlstrom descended into the depths of American Airlines Center, going through the carwash of autograph signings, photo shoots and interviews. He didn't do it alone, as

Noah Dobson was selected one pick afterward

• a fact that Wahlstrom reminds him of often. The two have broken into the NHL together and have grown close, a friendship that really started on draft night.

"We lived out our dreams kind of together, back-to-back and he's one of my best buddies," Wahlstrom said. "It was special to do that with him."

The pictures on his phone are Wahlstrom's mementos, but his dad wanted a few more physical artifacts to commemorate the day, as any proud parent would.

"I think he took a few posters down from a wall at the draft," Wahlstrom said. "He's good at saving all that stuff."

The Islanders forward doesn't sit down and watch the draft wire to wire like when he was a kid, but he tunes in if friends of his are getting ready for their big night. Even if he's not watching, the annual event still stirs up fond memories.

"I have a couple of pics on my phone that I see every now and then," Wahlstrom said. "Obviously it's the biggest memory in your life. It was awesome."