Attending the NHL Draft...has anyone gone?

[Robbob]

This may be more then a tad early, but I potentially may be in the area and was wondering if anyone has ever attended a draft. Curious where one would potentially grab tickets.

Typically I would watch/follow online, but with the combination of maybe being in the area and Flames having 3 picks it might be interesting and maybe worth while. With it being state side I would guess it might be easier to attend but I thought I would ask the CP brain trust of their experiences, if they have attended.

[You Need a Thneed]

Got tickets from a friend to go see the 2000 one in the Saddledome. I think we stayed until the Flames drafted Krahn, and then left.

I'm not one who extensively watches Junior hockey, so the names didn't mean much to me, and it was a bit boring to me for that reason.

As a Flames fan, I could definitely see the appeal in watching the first round this year though.

[KevanGuy]

I went in 2000. It was pretty boring except for the trades. I'd still go again because it was cool to see in person and not something that comes around all the time.

[JBR]

Agreed with YNAT.. Unless you follow Junior/College hockey closely, watch it on TV. The analysis is what makes the difference.

[username]

I was in LA at Staples for the NHL draft 3 years ago when Hall was selected first overall. Honestly, it was pretty boring other than throwing back a few beers before we took off to watch a Dodgers game.

The tickets were free, we just had to ask at the door and they gave us some.

[TurnedTheCorner]

I'm one of what I assume to be many CPers who attended the 2000 draft held here in Calgary. I recall the crowd cheering when Krahn was drafted (which is hilarious in hindsight), and chanting "You sold out!" at Glen Sather when he was up on the podium.

I think it was rush seating? I don't even remember. I don't recall what was done for tickets.

[FightinSioux]

I attended the draft in Minneapolis two years ago when they drafted Sven. I attended both days as I was in the area for the weekend and what not..... the first round got long but then again when doesn't it

[tripin_billie]

I went in Columbus a few years back. Really boring.

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

The Devils have a form where you can "win" tickets. I imagine if you fill this out, you will win unless demand is super high, which I don't think it will be:

http://devils.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=88814

I remember the draft in 2000 (I've been to 7 drafts now). The group I was with at the 2000 draft seemed like the only ones who didn't cheer when Krahn was drafted.

[Tyler]

Was there in 2000 as well.

Super boring after the novelty of the first few selections and your teams' pick.

Still can't believe we drafted Krahn..

[Northendzone]

all i know is that with 3 picks in rd 1 the flames can start building somethng very very very special.......

i guess it would be neet to see, but personally i would not pay money for tickets.

[dubc80]

I think it would be really boring attending live.

What makes the first round of the draft bearable (when watching on TV) are the highlight packages, interviews, and analysis of some kid who you otherwise probably have never heard about.

Without that commentary, you'd be spending your time watching people milling about on the draft floor, trying to guess what they are doing or talking about at the tables, amid a constant low volume murmor.

[TurnedTheCorner]

It's really kind of boring on TV, too. Except for the occasional trade, watching the sequence for the top players, and watching your favorite team announce their pick, drafts are pretty dull.

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

Originally Posted by dubc80

I think it would be really boring attending live.

What makes the first round of the draft bearable (when watching on TV) are the highlight packages, interviews, and analysis of some kid who you otherwise probably have never heard about.

Without that commentary, you'd be spending your time watching people milling about on the draft floor, trying to guess what they are doing or talking about at the tables, amid a constant low volume murmor.

I think it's pretty cool to see which GMs are talking to which but I do miss the commentary from those in the know like McKenzie.

[dubc80]

Originally Posted by Sidney Crosby's Hat

I think it's pretty cool to see which GMs are talking to which but I do miss the commentary from those in the know like McKenzie.

Oh for sure!

But if you're in the 2nd bowl, are you going to be able to recognize all the GM's, head scouts, and director of player personnel's for all 30 teams if they aren't at the team's table?

Probably not. Need some type of commentary to even identify who's who and speculate what discussions might be transpiring.

There might be some autograph/picture ops with the prospects though, which might be cool if thats your thing!

[Flames Draft Watcher]

Originally Posted by dubc80

Oh for sure!

But if you're in the 2nd bowl, are you going to be able to recognize all the GM's, head scouts, and director of player personnel's for all 30 teams if they aren't at the team's table?

With binoculars/monocular yes I would. I think I brought a pair to the 2000 draft.

As others have said the pace is slow and boring if you don't know he names. The solution? Buy 3-4 of the scouting publications (ISS, Redline, McKeens, FC, etc) and review them heavily beforehand and bring them to the draft. Also what would help would be to stream Fan960 during the draft to get some nice Calgary based insight and commentary.

With three first rounders it will be an exciting draft for Flames fans IMO. Make up for the lack of TV analysis by buying scouting publications and/or listening to draft coverage while there.

[Itse]

I imagine getting some channel (radio, TV, other) that has analysis streamed to you on sight shouldn't be a huge problem these days.

[Regulator75]

Cool, quite a bit of us old timers were at the Dome back 2000.

It was boring, but memorable.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by Itse

I imagine getting some channel (radio, TV, other) that has analysis streamed to you on sight shouldn't be a huge problem these days.

Maybe it's just me, but I get really crappy data reception inside of the Dome during a hockey game, with everyone trying to access it at the same time in such close proximity. I would think you'd run into similar issues at most stadiums. You're probably better off bringing an old school AM portable radio.

[Sidney Crosby's Hat]

Originally Posted by Table 5

Maybe it's just me, but I get really crappy data reception inside of the Dome during a hockey game, with everyone trying to access it at the same time in such close proximity. I would think you'd run into similar issues at most stadiums. You're probably better off bringing an old school AM portable radio.

When I'm in the Dome, I have absolutely no issues with my iPad data which is on the Telus LTE network. I expect that will change as more and more people get LTE.