DeBrusk ‘amped’ after being claimed by Bruins
‘A once-in-a-lifetime experience’ for Edmonton-born winger
Sunrise, Fla. — Jake DeBrusk had an inkling that he might be on his way to the Boston Bruins.
It was a feeling that had everything to do with his interviews with the team rather than the deals the Bruins made as Friday’s NHL Entry Draft got underway.
The Edmonton-born winger, following his father to the NHL, was selected 14th overall. DeBrusk was euphoric. “I’m amped. It seems like I’ve drunken seven Red Bulls,” the winger said. “It’s a once- in-a-lifetime experience and I’m super happy that I was a part of it.”
A seventh round pick of the Swift Current Broncos in the Western Hockey League bantam draft, DeBrusk played his way up the rankings this past season. He put up 42 goals and 81 points in 72 regular season games.
The Bruins, who traded defenceman Dougie Hamilton and winger Milan Lucic on Friday, ended up with the 13th, 14th and 15th picks.
“I honestly thought Boston, just based on the combine and the last meeting that I had yesterday,” said DeBrusk. “It was just a really good vibe (and) it’s a team that I wanted to go to.”
Louie DeBrusk was drafted by the New York Rangers, 49th overall in 1989, but played the first of his 401 NHL games with the Oilers. He once played for Claude Julien, who is the current coach of the Bruins.
“Lots of emotions. They’re still going through me. Couldn’t be any happier, for sure,” said the younger DeBrusk, who found his calling in Rexall Place during an Oilers playoff game.
“I went to one of the playoff games with my dad and the passion in that building was unbelievable,” DeBrusk said.
“I remember going home after that game, thinking I wanted to play in a game like that, where the fans are that passionate. I’m happy to be going to a team like that in Boston. I’m really excited to get started.”