Juan didn't know what to expect going to the SMJHL draft from a Latvian beer league, but the event was better than anything he could have imagined. After a super simple registration into the leagues "portal" GMs of teams started contacting him immediately. This was shocking as Juan was just happy to be here and didn't think many people would be interested in him. 

As he went through the interviews he slowly got more comfortable and at ease. He felt a little awkward in a few of his first interviews asking how the league worked and how to get around and find things but Every GM he talked to was gracious and kind about and made him feel welcome. He particularly enjoyed getting to talk to Seany who informed him that he was also the GM of his home country, Team Latvia, and that regardless of where he went he would be in touch. Once he had finished his interviews he had no better idea of where he would land or if any team even wanted him.

Once the draft started, after some minor technical difficulties, He was again impressed with the quality of the product. The graphics and commentary were world class, and the rookies were all buzzing with excitement. When the first pick was called he was shocked. The name John Peanut was called and a literal Peanut man came forward, this was the first time Juan realized almost anything could be a hockey player, not just humans, even finding a few other peculiar characters in the crowd.

After the first and second rounds had past Juan figured he'd be a fifth round pick at best and he was right that the GMs were scared to take a risk on him; so naturally he started zoning out. Then it happened:

"With pick Number 33, Quebec is please to select Juan Tymer!"

He couldn't believe what had just heard, he was so excited and neverous he almost threw up on the spot. As he made his way down the Quebec front office greeted him with the same warmth and welcome he had experienced in the interviews and Juan was glad he now got to call Quebec home. 

The most shocking experience of the draft though was meeting his fellow Quebec Draftees, current players, and alumni at the draft after party. The initial shock of 30 plus people cheering him and welcoming him as he entered is something he will remember and cherish for the rest of his career. He also immediately loved all his fellow draftees and their excited chats about how they were going to now dominate the upcoming season together.Juan was ecstatic when, with the 61st pick, Quebec also drafted his long time friend and training partner Leo Roze, who he played with  back in Latvia. 

Overall Juan couldn't have asked for a better draft experience. He found old friends, he found new friends and most importantly, He found his Home.

Go QCC! Thanks for reading if you actually did. Special Shout out to all the QCC mentors and GMs and everyone else who's been helping us new recruits.

Thrilled to have you here! And you were a steal at 33!

sig credit: Ragnar, Sulovilen, Enigmatic, Bayley
  

latvia carry (real)

Céleste Desjardins || LW || Quebec City Citadelles
Name: Céleste Desjardins
Birthplace: Lewiston, ME
Height: 5'8"
Weight:173 lbs
Number: 13
S73 SMJHL Draft: 4th Round, 47th OA - Quebec City Citadelles
S74 SHL Draft: 1st Round, 2nd OA - Manhattan Rage
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Citadelles Alt. Capt S73-
S73: Esa Anrikkanen, Rookie All-Star Team

Can't wait to see what you and Roze do in the future!

Thank you to @Revontulete for the sig!