Years of hard work and months of speculation culminated with Glenn Gawdin becoming the first Richmond player to be selected in the NHL Entry Draft in 11 years.
The 18-year-old forward with the Western Hockey League’s Swift Current Broncos was taken in the fourth round by the St. Louis Blues.
The last local product drafted was Raymond Sawada by the Dallas Stars back in 2004.
Gawdin and his family were huddled around the computer early Saturday morning as the second day of the draft unfolded from Florida.
“I just kept refreshing the page and my agent actually called with the news before the pick was made,” said Gawdin.
“I’m definitely excited and there is some relief too. It’s something you have been thinking about for pretty much your whole lifetime. Now I’m just looking forward to beginning the grind of the next challenge in front of me.”
Gawdin put up big offensive numbers during his days playing at the rep level with Richmond Minor and Seafair. His scoring prowess continued in his one season of major midget with the Greater Vancouver Canadians, but he has since developed into more of a complete player. It was responsible play at both ends of the ice that got the Blues’ attention.
“Glenn is a two-way player who makes great plays off the rush and in the zone,” said Bill Armstrong, Blues Director of Amateur Scouting. “He is one of those players that coaches love because he is always in the right position.
“He certainly has something to add to us. He is a smart and savvy player and, as a coach, you love to have him. We’re excited to get him.”
Gawdin will be making his way to St. Louis next weekend for the Blues annual Prospects Camp, slated for July 6-9.
Each day will feature a practice session, followed by a four-on-four scrimmage. The Blues’ 2015 draft selections will be joined by 17 other prospects in the organization.
Gawdin won’t have to look hard to find a familiar face.
Former Greater Vancouver Canadians teammate Adam Musil was also picked by the Blues in the fourth round on Saturday. The pair finished one-two in team scoring the one season they played together as 15-year-olds before making their way to the WHL.
Musil plays for the Red Deer Rebels.
“It’s pretty surreal,” laughed Gawdin who attended the NHL Combine in Buffalo with Musil earlier this month.
“We have stayed in touch, and, being in the same conference, we play Red Deer four times a year.”
Gawdin had 54 points, including 15 goals in 72 games this past season with Swift Current. He also helped Canada win bronze with a pair of goals against host Switzerland at the U18 World Championships in April.
