Memorable weekend for Chlapik and Sprong
The Pittsburgh Penguins selected right-winger Sprong 46th overall and minutes later centre Chalpik was taken 48th overall by the Ottawa Senators.
“It’s (the) best moment of my life to be drafted by this amazing organization,” Chlapik said in an email to The Guardian. “I knew some team (would) pick me and I’m extremely happy that team is Ottawa.”
Chlapik played for Islanders assistant Connor Cameron this past season in Charlottetown and Ottawa’s head coach is Connor’s father Dave. Chlapik said he had an opportunity to talk with Dave during the draft.
Chlapik and Sprong were both considered potential first-round picks, but had to wait until Saturday to be selected.
“I was surprised I didn’t go (Friday), but I am going to use it as motivation and I am very happy that I fell to Pittsburgh. It’s an unbelievable organization and I can’t wait to get started,” Sprong said. “After I knew I didn’t go in the first round, for me it was most important that I went to the right team.”
Islanders teammates Kameron Kielly, a Charlottetown native, and David Henley were not drafted.
Kielly has been invited to Pittsburgh’s rookie development camp.
Teams have contacted Henley and Filip Rydstrom about attending their camps as well.
Chlapik said he would be working hard during the off-season to be ready for the development, rookie and NHL camps to show the Senators they made the right choice.