DENVER—The Colorado Avalanche went with what was largely considered an off-the-board pick when they took unknown and unheralded center Joey Hishon with the 17th overall selection in the NHL draft on Friday night.
Hishon wants everyone to keep thinking that, relishing the thought of proving the pick was well warranted.
“Being called an off-the-board pick, I love it,” the 18-year-old Stratford, Ontario, native said in Los Angeles, the site of the draft. “I can’t wait to prove everyone wrong and show that’s where I belong to be drafted.”
Then again, it’s hard to doubt any of the Avalanche’s draft decisions these days, especially after what they did last June.
The Avalanche struck gold when they selected Matt Duchene with the third overall pick and then picked up Ryan O’Reilly at No. 33. The talented forwards helped fuel Colorado’s revival in 2009-10 as the team made the postseason a year after finishing last in the Western Conference.
The team said the pick of Hishon was right in line.
“This wasn’t off our board. Our board had Joey very high, based on his skill set,” said Rick Pracey, the team’s director of amateur scouting. “There are certain traits that we use in our evaluation that’s very important to us. Certainly, compete, skill and instinct are three of the major components that we’re looking for.
“Joey fit the bill.”
The reason Hishon was viewed as somewhat of a surprise pick may have been his injury-marred 2009-10 season. He played in just 36 games for Owen Sound of the Ontario Hockey League as he broke his foot early in the year and sprained a knee ligament toward the end.
Even with missing two months, the 5-foot-10, 170-pound Hishon still had 16 goals and 24 assists.
The year before, Hishon led Owen Sound in goals (37), assists (44) and points (81). He was voted the “Best Playmaker” by the coaches in the conference.
“He has a strong puck possession game, a high skill level and a very competitive nature to him,” said Pracey, whose team has six more picks when the draft resumes on Saturday. “We’re very pleased to add him to the fold.”
Hishon had no idea the Avalanche had an interest in him. When his name was called, he sat in his seat for a few seconds, stunned at the announcement.
“I barely remember walking up to the podium, because I was so nervous and so happy at the same time,” Hishon said. “I can’t wait to do whatever I can in that organization.”
Whether he suits up for Colorado next season or down the road remains to be seen. Duchene and O’Reilly made the team out of camp as 18-year-old players last season, but they’re far from the norm.
“They did an unbelievable job playing in Colorado,” Hishon said. “I know it’s a process to play in the NHL. That doesn’t happen all the time. I’m going to go into camp with an open mindset and do whatever I can to stay with the team. If that doesn’t happen, I’ll look forward to playing in the organization as soon as I possibly can.”
Many of the draft experts had Colorado taking a defenseman with the first-round pick, especially because the current group averages nearly 30 years of age heading into next season.
But with an ample supply of defensemen in the minor league system, the Avalanche elected to take the offensive route even as highly regarded defenders Cam Fowler and Brandon Gormley slid down the draft board.
“Our list is predicated on skill, regardless of what we saw happening,” Pracey said. “We go by skill and ability. Position and needs, they don’t come into play.”
In Hishon, the Avalanche receive a center with a pinpoint shot and an ability to mix it up.
“I compete very hard for my size,” Hishon said. “I like to finish all my checks, kind of start a little ruckuses here and there on the ice.”
He also arrives with a little chip on his shoulder, eager to prove the pick was justified.
“I can’t wait to get things started,” Hishon said.
