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HARTLEY MILLER’S HART ATTACK – (Get to know the “Draft” lingo) June 23, 2017 EDITION 633

The “DRAFT” season has arrived!

The NHL Draft begins tonight in Chicago and will continue Saturday with Rounds Two to Seven.

(Nikita Popugayev of the Prince George Cougars is ranked 28th among North American skaters by Central Scouting)

The Golden Knights selected 30 players on Wednesday in the Expansion Draft in Las Vegas.

The NBA held its two-round Draft Thursday in Brooklyn, New York and last week, the MLB Draft took place in Secaucus, New Jersey.

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(Jared Young became the highest ever pick of a Prince George player when the Chicago Cubs selected the 21-year-old Old Dominion Monarchs second baseman in the 15th round, 465th overall)

The WHL featured its Bantam Draft last month in Calgary, and the NFL Draft took place in late April in Philadelphia.

When a player has the honor of having his name called, the General Manager of the team that selected him likes to refer to his “DRAFT” dictionary.

Often the GM or his team representative uses clichés like “best player available,” “steal of the draft,” “is honest and hardworking,” or, “his compete level is next to none” to describe the pick.

After all, in the public relations game that we all like to play, it’s about “putting the best foot forward” when discussing a prospect “who has character”, is “the complete package” with “plenty of talent” that, of course, “is a winner.”

Here are some of the other favorite terms when it comes to the “DRAFT” dictionary that is a staple in many sports.

( – ) is a possible interpretation of the message:

  • “He is an impact player” (We cross our fingers that continues at the next level)
  • “We had him rated higher” (Is this damage control to boost the kid’s bruised ego?)
  • “We are very excited to get him” (And puzzled why nobody else wanted him)
  • “The kid has grit” (And with lots of luck could be a “diamond in the rough”)
  • “He’s a scorer” (Oh, oh! Does he knows the meaning of defence?)
  • “He’s strong defensively” (Sounds like he lacks offensive skill)
  • “He’s dedicated” (As long as he gets prominent playing time)
  • “He’s a mature young man” (Let’s hope a bigger stage doesn’t change that)
  • “He comes from a great family” (A round of applause please for Mom and Dad)
  • “He was well worth the risk” (Are there injury or law issues to be concerned about?)
  • “He has size” (That also comes in handy if he ever wants a job as a bouncer)
  • “He has good hands” (This is a sure sign he will deliver a strong hand shake)
  • “He has great vision” (Great! He can read a chart)
  • “He comes to play” (Really? I thought he came to shoot the breeze)
  • “He’s a hidden gem” (Nice term for long-shot)
  • “He has plenty of ‘upside’” (Will he ever reach his potential?)
  • “He likes to ‘win’” (There aren’t many players that prefer to lose)
  • “He is a leader” (So is Donald Trump… what does that mean?)

… and everybody’s all-time favorite, the one phrase listed more than any other …

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  • “We couldn’t believe he was still there” (He is not as good as other teams believe)

I am sure you have your own notable list of “draft rhetoric.”

If by some chance you know of a prospect to recommend for a team make sure “he knows what it takes” and that “he’s a competitor.”

FROM THE QUOTE RACK:

An 18-year-old kicker, Becca Longo, could be the first woman to play in the NFL. She may start with the Cleveland Browns and then work up to the NFL.

*Comedy writer Alex Kaseberg http://thordoggie.blogspot.ca/

 

An 18-year-old field-goal kicker could be the first woman to play in the NFL. Scouts say she has the talent and desire. All she needs now is the criminal record.

*Conan O’Brien of TBS

 

Vince Young has been placed on waivers by the Saskatchewan Roughriders. In related news, Colin Kaepernick has Googled Saskatchewan.

*Comedy writer Tony Chong

 

The U.S. soccer team battled to a 1-1 draw in Mexico City. There was one awkward moment
at the end of the match: Mexico got a free kick, and the United States built a wall.

*Comedy writer Argus Hamilton

 

Executive Jerry West is leaving the Golden State Warriors for the LA Clippers. Maybe he wants a
challenge. Or maybe West just wants to start taking the month of June off.

*Comedy writer Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com

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An Atlanta cheerleader broke a Guinness World Record by performing 44 consecutive back handsprings. The old record was set by a New Jersey teen on the Maury Povich show when he found out he wasn’t the father.

*Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

 

Charles P. Thacker, the designer of the PC has died at age 74. Doctors say just like his invention, for no apparent reason he just shut down.

*Comedy writer Jim Barach of WCHS-TV in Charleston, W.Va.,  http://jokesbyjim.blogspot.com/

 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

Pittsburgh police dropped all charges against a man arrested for throwing a catfish onto the ice. Turns out it was a bass-less accusation.

*Comedy writer RJ Currie www.Sportsdeke.com

 

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Hartley Miller is the sports director and morning news anchor for 94.3 the Goat.
He also is the 94.3 radio color commentator for P.G. Cougars home games.
His column appears Fridays on myprincegeorgenow.com.
Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to [email protected]
Follow him on twitter: @Hartley_Miller

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