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This is Joe Frazier with Carolina Sports Network and we have a special player profile leading up to this weekend's SMJHL draft. 

North Carolina born winger, Eric Hudson, got his first taste of hockey action skating with the Mighty Mites during the intermission of a Charlotte Checkers game. Friends and family will tell you he's been obsessed ever since. Honing his craft and working out for the last couple of years, Hudson is now eligible for the SMJHL draft and looking to take the next step in his journey. 

A right handed shot on the left wing, Hudson has a knack for getting himself into the right position, whether it's for a booming slapshot on the powerplay, or sliding to block a shot on defense. A true two way player, Eric loves to score but also plays solid defense, placing importance on team success over individual accolades.  Eric has filled out his 6'1" frame and has a large presence on the ice. Not afraid to use the body, whether for hitting or blocking shots. Passing and scoring are some of his strengths, while checking is a weakness but he's working on it as he gets stronger and more confident on the ice.

I got the chance to speak with Eric on the phone earlier this week as he preps for the draft:

JF: So Eric, what's important to you as you look forward to this weekend's SMJHL draft? 

EH: Honestly Joe, I'm just happy to have a chance to show what I can do at the next level. I'm thankful to have this opportunity.

JF: What does it mean to you to be a hockey player from North Carolina? 

EH: It means a lot honestly, there aren't many of us, so that's special. With the Kraken coming to the area recently that will just boost the talent pool here. Expect some more NC talent to make it's way into the league in the future. 

JF: Speaking of the Carolina Kraken, how would it feel to be drafted by them? 

EH: *laughs* It would be awesome of course, local team, homegrown talent, but wherever I end up going I'll be proud and work hard to prove that they made the right choice trusting in me. 

JF: Lastly, why do you wear the number 13? 

EH: You know, the number 13 has always been my favorite number. I'm a big underdog kind of guy and I think the fact that it is unwanted or unlucky to so many people makes me want it just that much more. It's been lucky to me so far. 

JF: Thanks for talking with me Eric, good luck at this weekend's draft and hope to talk to you again in the future. 

EH: Thanks Joe, good to speak with you and thanks for having me. 

So there we have it folks, look for big things to come in the future from Eric Hudson as he hopefully finds a landing spot in this weekend's draft. Carolina's pulling for you Eric!

Eric is much more media trained than Chris