Jordan Eberle knows divine intervention when he sees it.

A childhood dream became reality when the Edmonton Oilers -- Eberle's favourite team -- selected him in the first round (22nd overall) of Friday's NHL entry draft in Ottawa.

Before calling Eberle to the podium, Oilers great Glenn Anderson made a tearful speech dedicating the pick to long-time scout Lorne Davis, who died of cancer on Dec. 20.

Anderson is regarded as one of the greatest finds by Davis, who was instrumental in stocking the NHL club with talent during its dynasty years in the 1980s. Davis, a Regina native, was a former player and coach with the WHL's Regina Pats, Eberle's current team.

This was Edmonton's first draft without Davis in 30 years. The Oilers left his seat at the draft table empty. Eberle said afterwards he'd like to think the legendary scout reached down from above and pointed the Oilers in his direction.

"I sure hope so," Eberle said from Ottawa. "It's obviously special for me, growing up on the same street as Lorne's son Darrell and (his wife) Eva.

"I've played street hockey with their sons (Austin and Tanner) and my brother is best friends with one of their sons.

"We've know their family forever. It's kind of special in that way, and growing up watching the Pats and knowing about Lorne Davis. To be dedicated in his honour is amazing."

Eberle couldn't have written the script any better himself.

"The Oilers have been my favourite team for as long as I've been alive," noted the shifty sniper, who's expected to fit in well with Edmonton's aggressive style.

"I kind of knew they had interest. Once the 22nd pick came around I was crossing my fingers. In a perfect world that was always the dream pick."

Eberle's enthusiasm was shared by teammate Colten Teubert, who was taken 13th overall by the L.A. Kings, making him the Pats' highest selection since Brad Stuart went third overall to the San Jose Sharks in 1998.

"It's amazing; I've never been happier," said Teubert, adding that he had never been so nervous in his life. "L.A. has a great young D core. I'm looking forward to the future with them."

The Kings ended up selecting at No. 13 after some previous wheeling and dealing. L.A. started the day by acquiring the 17th pick from the Calgary Flames, along with a second-rounder, for left-winger Mike Cammalleri.

The Kings then added the 12th pick from the Anaheim Ducks for No. 17 and No. 28. They then flipped the 12th pick to the Buffalo Sabres for No. 13 and a third-rounder in 2009.

Much like Eberle's selection, Teubert figures it was meant to be.

"As long as I got picked I'd be happy and it just so happened 13 was my lucky number," the hard-nosed defenceman said with a laugh.

"It's kind of weird. I've got the purple shirt on, silver tie. It matches the jersey great."

It wasn't just a great day for Teubert and Eberle, it was also a great day for the Pats.

The last time Regina had two players taken in the first round of the NHL entry draft was 1996 when Josh Holden was chosen 12th by the Vancouver Canucks, followed by Derek Morris to the Flames at No. 13.

"It just goes to show the scouting that we have," observed Eberle, adding that he was just as excited for Teubert as he was for himself.

"We're real close friends. We've been through everything together. I was kind of wondering if we were going to get picked to the same team there for a bit. I'm so proud of him. He has earned everything he has got."

The Pats' record for NHL first-rounders in one year was three in 1989: Mike Sillinger (11th, Detroit), Kevin Haller (14th, Buffalo) and Jamie Heward (16th, Pittsburgh).

Rounds 2 through 7 of the draft are to take place today. Pats defenceman Matt Delahey is the team's top prospect for Day 2.

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