<div align="center">Confessions of a First Overall Pick
</div><div align="center">by Evandrus Jesster</div>

Season 25 was a wild time for me and many others, arguably one of the largest draft classes in SHL history, we were all ready to make the jump from the SMJHL. A day that holds much importance to every prospect that is looking to make their mark, to find out where you’re going to spend the next several seasons and potentially beyond is one of the most exciting moments you’ll have in the Simulation Hockey League. For me, my story is going to seem to be different than most but in reality it is not much different than what those of you reading this will feel when your name gets called in the Season 28 SHL Entry Draft.

As Grimmsterj, the Co-GM of the Seattle Riot and the holders of the first overall pick hit the podium my stomach sunk into the depths of uneasiness and that feeling on uncertainty passed over me. I was excited, don’t get me wrong, I had an idea I might be called but to have that bit of unknowing sitting right there in front of you can make you uneasy. As he stood in front of the microphone I waited patiently, “First things first, on behalf of the Seattle Riot I would like to congratulate Tanner, LVShark, and the entire Hamilton organization on their successful season and being Challenge Cup Champions! Now, with the first overall selection in the S25 SHL Entry Draft, the Seattle Riot select....” Now my heart began to race, I was so excited, I was sitting there trying to hold my composure but man was I praying the next part of this sentence would include my name. Then grimmsterj continued, “....all the way from Buffalo, NY.. EVANDRUS JESSTER!!!! Welcome to the team! “

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The relief I felt was great, the excitement took over and I was ready to get going immediately. I was contacted by my team and spoke with GM Gifter of Bikes and Grimmsterj and veteran forward Sean Leonidas. Seattle had the faith in me to select me first overall that draft and I’ve kept faith in them to put me in the best situation possible.

The moral of this story though is simple, enjoy it, be hyped. The draft comes and goes so fast once it’s here. The buildup leading up to it was one of the most fun moments I’ve had in this community. My advice to the person going first overall to the last active selected is to take pride in your team. Have an open mind and prepare to communicate with your new General Managers and teammates. Even as a first overall pick I spent my following season after being drafted down in the SMJHL as a send down. It’s completely okay to be sent down, it’s a chance to grow and prepare your player to be more productive in the SHL. The transition will be easier and you won’t miss a thing. Focus on winning it all in the SMJHL, and don’t be afraid to participate in your SHL locker room even if you’re not suiting up for them. You’re going to make new friends on here, you’re going to become more immersed in this SHL community and it’s a wonderful thing. This site is for us to have fun and we use hockey as a common interest that holds us all together. I wish you all the best of luck in the upcoming draft. If anyone wishes to talk to me about anything, do not hesitate to PM me.


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