Breathe in the Future, Breathe out the Past

Well hey guys, first of all sorry about that incredibly cheesy title, second let's get past the fact that I'm horrible at updating my blog on a regular basis and third, let's just forget that the Bruins were knocked out of the playoffs this year by the loathsome Habs.

Since no one wants to relive that, I am not going to write a post about the Bruins playoff run this year. In short recap, the Kings won the cup and people cared for about 2 minutes. Now everyone has already forgotten and is looking toward next season. In all honesty though, do the Kings actually have any devoted fans? (I am sorry if you are among the slim few and if you are, I am sorry you have to deal with SO MANY bandwagoners!)

Anyway. Mini rant over.

This past Friday night the 2014 NHL draft was held in Philadelphia and the Bruins had the 25th pick. With that being said, I introduce you to the newest member of the Bruins organization, David Pastrnak. 

Pastrnak was born in Havířov, Czech Republic. The 18 year old winger lead his Swedish B team this past season with eight goals and 16 assists in 36 games before suffering a season ending injury. (A back injury from what I can tell, don't quote me on that). He'll fit right in with our injury prone squad. From most of the articles I've read about this kid, he seems to be fast and a good puck handler. He lacks in his defensive game, but nothing he can't fix in a couple of years in the minors. Away from his game, people rave about Pastrnak's personality, charismatic, energetic, and an incredible work ethic. He moved away at a young age to peruse his hockey dream and recently lost his father this past May. Now it's just him and his mother who works two jobs back in the Czech to help him reach his dream. Sounds like the kid has got a pretty solid support team! All in all, with a little Bruin's staff guidance, Pastrnak could see himself playing on the second line of an original six team in a few years!   

In the second round the Bruins picked up Massachusetts native, Ryan Donato, followed by Langley, BC native, Danton Heinen, Mequon, WI native, Anders Bjork, and Växjö, Sweden native, Emil Johansson in the later rounds. Two Americans, a Canadian, and a Swede. Everyone is obviously very excited about the hometown boy, Ryan Donato.

Ryan Donato is the son of former Bruins player Ted Donato. Ted Donato played eight years in Boston and played for eight different teams before returning to finish his career with the Bruins in 2003-04. Ted Donato is currently the head coach for Harvard University's mens hockey team and has been for 10 years now. Ryan was practically born on an ice rink with his dad being a former NHLer and current college head coach. Ryan Donato cranked out some pretty sweet stats this past season with his prep team at Dexter School in Brooline, Mass. He scored 37 goals and 41 assist, racking up a total of 78 points in 30 games. Think he was just having a lucky year, think again. The season before he totaled 60 points with 29 goals and 31 assists in 28 games. I don't know about you guys, but I'm pretty impressed by those stats. Rock on with your bad self Ryan, I'll be sure to keep an eye out for you next season at Harvard University. Also is you haven't seen this picture of baby Ryan with Sergei Samsonov and Joe Thornton, you are missing out.

Fun fact: In three straight drafts, Boston has selected Massachusetts natives, including Ryan Fitzgerald (2013), Matt Grzelcyk (2012) and now Donato.

I could go on about the other three draftees, but I don't want to lose you in more stats. I promise once they make a name for themselves in the minors I'll be here to give you the scoop! The depth of the Bruins continues to grow and the future continues to be bright! So try your best to forget about how last season ended and look ahead to the young, promising future and next season!