If you look at the Oilers number one line it's an interesting combination of hockey pedigree. In the middle you have the first-overall pick in McDavid who has become the can't-miss generational player. To his left, you will find a No. 3 selection in Draisaitl who was destined to be and is becoming one of the games top players. Then to the right is Caggiula. An undrafted free agent. "For me, the best thing was to go to school," explained the player from Pickering, ON. "It worked out great for me to go to UND (University of North Dakota). It is such a professional program that has developed so many NHLers." Caggiula isn't kidding. For example, Brock Boeser in Vancouver was a college teammate of Caggiula's. Chicago has three players on their current roster (Jonathan Toews, Nick Schmaltz, Luke Johnson) who graduated from the school.
While people saying he couldn't do something was Caggiula's motivation his inspiration has been his family. For example, during the trip to Florida his dad Sal was the ringleader of the 'Traveling Caggiulas'. For his three seasons in the NHL, Drake has had family members come to watch him play in Tampa and Florida. Sure the heat doesn't hurt but it's more about the warm feeling it gives the Edmonton Oiler. "My dad, my mom, my brother they have all been my biggest supporters," said the youngest in the family. "From minor hockey all the way up to present day they've been there for me. My friends as well. I have buddies in Ontario who stay up late, watch the game and then have to go work at 6:00 AM the next day."
Wednesday was a mandated CBA day off so Drake Caggiula won't be back at work until Thursday. While Drake the rapper will be in Atlanta on Saturday that same night Drake, the hockey player will be getting ready for his next performance in Calgary.
