Taken from a translated article, some grammar may be incorrect.

“It’s a new experience, surely. I’ve been to the States a few times for camps, but never in arenas like that, and never with guys like that.”

Hai Nam Hoang reported for the first day of rookie orientation Friday, an important part of the beginning of his SMJHL career, a historic achievement, as he became the first Vietnamese-born player ever to be drafted by a semi-professional league. Hoang recalled the draft on Tuesday, when he learned he was a 3rd round pick of the Great Falls Grizzlies.

“I wasn’t watching the draft. I was practicing. Working on my skating when my Dad called to tell me the news. I wasn’t sure whether to continue practicing or to head to the hotel, but Borys recommended I go.”

Hoang and his new teammates enjoyed the luxury of a free skate before interviews and pictures were taken. It’s his first media day experience, something he’ll have to get used to, he says.

“It seems like most of the guys who were with me knew what to do and what to say. I somewhat felt left out or just out of the loop. It’s not their fault, they don’t speak my language and I struggle with theirs.”

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The rest of the article will be released shortly.