TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. - It was a surreal moment for Nick Schmaltz.
For the first time in his career, the 2014 first-round shot a jersey Chicago Blackhawks Jersey and stood at center ice for the national anthem at Centre Ice Arena here in Northern Michigan. It was his unofficial professional debut, and he was given an "A" as alternate captain for the prospects of Chicago.
He also looked at the blue line in front and saw a familiar face, his older brother Jordan Schmaltz, wearing a "C" as the captain of the St. Louis Blues prospects.
"We both dreamed of playing professional hockey," said Nick Schmaltz. "Now we're both there. It's pretty cool to see that the hard work is paying off. "
June 27, 2014: Nick Schmaltz signs with the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL Entry Draft at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Photographer: Gavin Baker / Icon Sportswire
June 27, 2014: Nick Schmaltz was drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL Entry Draft, 2014. Photographer: Gavin Baker / Icon Sportswire
