Local Whalers fans revel in Seguin's No. 2 pick in Friday's NHL Draft

BY ED WRIGHT
June 25 2010, 10:15 p.m.

  Plymouth Whaler Tyler Seguin didn't go No. 1 in Friday's NHL Draft, but that didn't temper the enthusiasm of several fans who were watching the draft unfold on the elevated high-definition TV's in CJ's Brewery, the restaurant attached to Seguin's home ice, Compuware Arena.

  As soon as Seguin's name was announced by Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli at 7:17 p.m. (the draft was televised on the Versus network), a buzz flowed through CJ's and small kids exchanged high fives.

  "I think it's cool that he was taken so early," said 10-year-old Plymouth resident Tyler Balok, who was sporting a green Whalers sweater with Seguin's name stitched on the back. "I kind of thought Taylor Hall was going to be the first guy draft, but I really wish it would have been Tyler.

  "He's a goal scorer like me and he used to live with my best friend."

  Andrew Mady, who was sitting just a short slap shot from Balok's table, said going No. 2 may help Seguin in the long run.

  "He should have went No. 1 - he's the better player - but he went to a better team," said Mady. "Tyler Seguin carried his team this past season while Hall had a lot of help on his team.

  "It's kind of funny: A few weeks ago, he's going to Plymouth High School; now he's going to the NHL."

Andrea and Andrew Mady, Plymouth Whalers season-ticket holders, attended Friday's NHL Draft party at CJ's Brewery. (photo by Ed Wright)