I still say the most unexpected thing to ever happen to Ryosuke Sato is being drafted 16th overall in the 2nd round in the SMJHL draft. Sato was created late, just before the draft happened and didn't have much to show other than his little activity in the league. He didn't even show that he had consistent ways of earning, but for some reason the Vancouver Whalers (particularly their GM) took the chance on basically a nobody in the 2nd round. Speaking as a GM now, the prospect of drafting someone like Ryosuke Sato in the 2nd round is a ballsy move which of course came very unexpectedly. Sato was projected as a 3rd rounder at best but now that he was drafted earlier than expected, the pressure and expectations were on. Despite a lackluster first 3 seasons in the J, Sato eventually helped captain and lead the team to a cup win through hard work and dedication. This is not to mention of course being drafted 2nd overall in the SHL draft. Sato just continues to work hard and be the best he can for his team, including the Whalers even though he no longer plays there. But ultimately everything can be traced back to that one unexpected moment, being drafted in the 2nd round of the SMJHL draft.