Pekar 'never imagined' being drafted into NHL

DALLAS - Matej Pekar sat at the podium at American Airlines Center, shaking in disbelief. The Czech Republic native had just been drafted by the Buffalo Sabres with the first pick of the fourth round. Less than a year ago, the idea of being drafted at all had never even crossed his mind.
"Honestly, before the season, I was like, 'Draft, what is it?'" Pekar said. "Like, I'm not getting drafted."

Perhaps it was a preseason trade that paved his path to the Sabres. Pekar was drafted into the USHL by the Chicago Steel, but was traded to Muskegon before he even appeared in a game. He describes the moment as a "definite wake-up call" in his hockey career.
"Maybe that kind of motivated me," he said. "I just had to look in the mirror and say, 'you can do it, but you just have to work harder I guess.'"
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Pekar played one game for Muskegon before being promoted to the team's top line, where he remained for the remainder of the season. He ended up earning rookie of the year honors for a campaign in which he scored 54 points (14+40) in 56 games.
It wasn't until the season was a quarter of the way through that he realized the draft might be a possibility. He told himself not to slow down.
" I felt more and more confident to play the way I can, and that way is the right way to me," he said. "I just became more and more confident."
Pekar's familiarity with the Sabres dates back to his youth. Being a Czech native, he's well-versed in Dominik Hasek lore, and the first game he ever played in an NHL rink was in Buffalo at age 14. He beamed when recounting his combine interview with the Sabres.
"I loved it," he said. "I honestly loved it. I remember they met my dad somewhere at the tournament and my dad was wearing funny pajama pants of the Red Wings I think. When I get drafted I was shaking their hand and I was like, 'my dad's going to be so happy.' They we're like, 'don't worry, we're going to get him new pants.'"
Pekar will take the next step in his development next season at Miami University (Ohio), which has scouted him since age 15. He's still in a bit of disbelief about being taken by Buffalo - he knocked on the podium twice during his interview session - but you can bet he'll keep pushing.
"I can't really describe it," he said. "I'm so excited to be here and get drafted to the NHL. It all starts right now. This is the beginning, hopefully not the end."