Regina Pats defenceman Matt Delahey was watching the NHL Network's draft coverage on Saturday morning when he caught a familiar name out of the corner of his eye.

"They were doing interviews with some people and then they did a camera shot of the (draft) board and I saw M. Delahey," recalled the Moose Jaw product. "It was shocking, kind of surreal. All the pressure I was feeling was gone."

Upon closer inspection, Delahey learned he had been selected by the New Jersey Devils in the fourth round (112th overall).

His response?

"It couldn't have gone any better, I don't think," said Delahey, who was interviewed by the Devils at the recent draft combine in Toronto. "I was thrilled when it was New Jersey that picked me because they showed probably the most interest in me. They're great guys and it's a great organization. (GM) Lou Lamoriello really gets the job done there. They've always had good strong defensive teams, so hopefully someday I'll fit in well there."

About five minutes after spotting his name on the draft board, Delahey's phone rang. On the other end was a Devils' scout who congratulated him on the selection and passed the phone over to Lamoriello and head scout David Conte.

"They just said welcome to the Devils' organization and they've got a jersey with my name on it and they'll be sending it to me," said Delahey, adding that he'd be "thrilled" to get the opportunity to play for head coach Brent Sutter, a former boss of the WHL's Red Deer Rebels. "They just said they were happy they got me. It's too bad I wasn't there to get (the jersey) in person but it'll still be pretty sweet when I get it."

Delahey has endured his share of pressure situations over two seasons with the Pats, but nothing compared to what he experienced on Saturday.

"I was pretty nervous," said Delahey, who was rated 67th among North American skaters by Central Scouting. "I don't think anyone would understand (how nerve wracking it is) unless they've been through it. You don't think it would be like that but you've worked so hard your whole life. The draft isn't the be-all, end-all but it determines a lot about your future. I didn't know what to expect going into the day. Fourth round for me felt great. I wasn't disappointed at all."

With the draft behind him, Delahey can now look forward to attending his first NHL training camp in September.

He plans to be ready.

"The hard work starts now," he noted. "I'm trying to enjoy (the moment) today but it's creeping into my head: The camp, going to the big city of (Newark) New Jersey and all that stuff. I'm going to have to work hard but it'll be fun. I'm looking forward to (next season). I want to have a breakout year this year and prove they were right for drafting me."

Delahey was the lone member of the Pats selected from Rounds 2 through 7. Regina had two players taken in the first round on Friday: Defenceman Colten Teubert (13th, L.A. Kings) and right-winger Jordan Eberle (22nd, Edmonton Oilers).

The Pats' record for NHL first-rounders in one year was three in 1980 and 1989. In 1980, Doug Wickenheiser (first overall to Montreal), Darren Veitch (fifth to Washington) and Mike Blaisdell (11th to Detroit) were first-rounders. Mike Sillinger (11th, Detroit), Kevin Haller (14th, Buffalo) and Jamie Heward (16th, Pittsburgh) were the Pats' first-rounders in 1989.

Moose Jaw Warriors defenceman Travis Hamonic was the first Saskatchewan-based WHLer chosen on Saturday. He went in the second round (53rd overall) to the New York Islanders. Hamonic was followed by Warriors forwards Joel Broda (fifth round, 144th overall, Washington Capitals) and Ryley Grantham (sixth round, 168th, Calgary Flames).

The Swift Current Broncos had four forwards selected on Day 2: Zack Smith (third round, 79th, Ottawa Senators), Geordie Wudrick (third round, 88th, L.A.), Dale Weise (fourth round, 111th, New York Rangers) and Matt Tassone (sixth round, 176th, Dallas Stars).

Saskatoon Blades defenceman Teigan Zahn, a native of Bethune, went in the fifth round (132nd) to the Chicago Blackhawks.

© The Leader-Post (Regina) 2008

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