News Article: Pittsburgh to likely host 2012 NHL draft

[Techno Devil]

Originally Posted by Devils Luck

How fun is actually visiting a draft?

I cant imagine it is all that great; however, a lot of people probably go nuts for it. i tend to not get star struck like others do, even more so for hockey players. i have appreciation for talent, and more so I enjoy what the Devils have done for NJ; ergo, the hype and revenue that the draft would bring the business quantifies the sole reason i still even entertain the discussion.


I think everybody really knows deep down that prosperity is the only thing that matters. Ask yourself: why did we go nuts over AL? mainly because he was the most talented and therefore sexy/appealing player we have drafted in a long time. it only makes potential team success a bit more palpable, and gives and means to fan spending.


its entertainment, we just want good entertainment.

[KovalchukR8]

Originally Posted by Techno Devil

is that the mod from the ea board?

Yeah lol he messaged me on twitter all about it, it would be really fun to do that

[kilxler]

I have to agree with BenedictGomez. Hotel's are a non-issue. There are tons of them in Newark/Elizabeth in front of the airport. Look at the amazing job they did with the NCAA Eastern Regional's. All the hotel's near the airport were booked and they were getting free shuttles to/from the arena. If they did try to book the Draft than why not have it at "The Rock".

[Brodeur]

Originally Posted by PariseR8

I want one here soon because one of my friends got to volunteer for the NHL draft when it was in LA and he got to to lead Cam Fowler to the draft stage and Jon Merrill to the right draft table and talk with his family. I really want to do that it would be a cool experience just to volunteer at the draft. Oh well.

I applied to volunteer for the LA Draft but they turned me down (probably because I wasn't available before the actual draft for training).

Originally Posted by Devils Luck

How fun is actually visiting a draft?

I've gone two years in a row now and it's a lot of nerdy fun for me. For a casual fan, it's probably not that great. Like I didn't understand the Wild fans behind me who sat through 2 hours until they picked Jonas Brodin, cheered the Brodin pick, asked us if Brodin was any good, and then left a few minutes later.

If you're an autograph hunter, each team has a dozen+ people at the Draft along with the GMs. It's fun for me to see guys like Cam Neely, Brendan Shanahan, Steve Yzerman, etc roaming the floor. And when you see two GMs talking, you can't help but wonder if they're negotiating a trade or discussing summer vacation plans.

[Devils Dominion]

Disappointing for sure, the draft here would be great for us fans and for the area.

The Rock and Newark has proven to be able to host big events like the NCAA tourney with no glitches, in fact it got great reviews.

The Marriott on Broad and Lafayette will help, but there are a plethora of hotel beds in the surrounding area (Downtown, Newark airport, JC, Manhattan, Medowlands) by car or train to have the draft here.

[Scott04]

We'll try to hold the draft on a year that we don't have a first round pick. Be it the year we give up the Kovy 1st rounder, or when Bettman finds another reason to take one away. That way the Devils don't have to worry about the mess of hosting the draft + a draft party for the fans in one shot. Avoid screwing up the draft party x2!

[CerebralGenesis]

If it's in Pitt, I'm totally going.

[Saugus]

I don't think there's any conspiracy, but that won't stop me from enjoying watching other nuts claim it is without being corrected.

[Chico Eats]

Who cares? We might not even have a 1st rounder this year.

[None Shall Pass]

Originally Posted by Devils Luck

How fun is actually visiting a draft?

Ever play bingo with seniors?

[njdevsfn95]

Originally Posted by Cowbell232

For what it's worth, every time I've ever talked to Devils brass about this they don't even want to bid for events like this just yet. Hotels, urban plight, whatever you want to assume the reason is.

Bottom line: There is no conspiracy.

We will not apply and yet be awarded the draft the year we do not have a #1 pick due to the Kovalchuk penalty.

[Saugus]

Originally Posted by Chico Eats

Who cares? We might not even have a 1st rounder this year.

I don't see us forfeiting the pick in a draft this deep. Not unless we go deep in the playoffs and it's the 29th or 30th pick. And even then probably not.