The NHL draft always has plenty of great moments every year and 2020 was no different.
It started with Alexis Lafreniere getting picked first overall by the New York Rangers. Then Alex Trebek announced Ottawa’s third overall pick. The Jets had the widow of the great Dale Hawerchuk announce their 10th overall selection but what stole the show for me was the last pick of the night.
The 31st pick was the Prince Albert Raiders’ Ozzy Wiesblatt. It wasn’t a big deal because of the Saskatchewan connection, though it helped. It was the way he was drafted. Sharks director of amateur scouting Doug Wilson Jr. used sign language to spell Ozzy, before announcing his name.
Wiesblatt’s mother was born completely deaf and raised five children as a single mom. The first language her children learned was sign language and the Sharks took the time to make sure Ozzy’s mom got the message.
Her sign back at the screen while celebrating with her children was the sign for “I love you.”
Being selected in the first round is an extremely joyous occasion for any family no matter what, but the Sharks were able to make it extra special for the Wiesblatts.