Behind the Scenes Look at the 2017 NHL Entry Draft - Day 1

Now that the NHL Draft has come to a close and we've had a chance to recuperate from a busy weekend in Chicago, we want to share all the events that take place behind the scenes for the players that are selected.
Last Friday, the LA Kings used their first round pick to select Gabriel Vilardi 11th overall.

Being selected by the Kings capped off a crazy weekend for Vilardi.

Shutting down a Finsta and giving yourself a shoutout in the same tweet...
...this kid's already a pro.

Immediately after coming down from stage, Vilardi was ushered in to meet the media -- which of course means getting mic'd up for the Kings production crew (Black & White Season 3 coming soon to an Internet connection near you ...).

But there is so much more to being drafted than just meeting your new organization and the press ...
... like taking way too many awkwardly posed pictures.

The best part is the not smiling ... which is something the photographer asks the players to do.
No big deal, these guys just found out the best news of their lives and we need them to be as serious as possible.
Because hockey players can't smile, right?
After taking pictures, the first rounders get to sign all different types of items.

Most likely, it's these guys first time signing autographs and they all do it pretty well.

Do you think they practice what their signature should look like in the weeks leading up to the draft so they can get it just right?
During photos and autograph sessions, there's lots of downtime and waiting in lines as each player has to wait for the next station to be open.
Which we love becaues that means getting Vilardi do random things for

and getting to know him more.
We learned that he's a pretty decent fidget spinner.
He has a dog named Darko (obviously, the most important thing).

And besides hockey, he loves soccer.
We're thinking that he and Adrian Kempe will soon be BFFs (watch out Jonny Brodzinski).
After all the waiting, picture taking, and autographing was over, Vilardi got to spend the rest of the night in a suite meeting the Kings' front office and coaching staff with his family.
Also, probably taking more pictures.
How else are you supposed to remember this whirlwind of a night?