Always have a Plan B — Nelson's Dryden Hunt to attend Canadiens Development Camp
By Bruce Fuhr
It’s a proven fact to always have a backup plan just in case that original idea goes south.
Dryden Hunt knows all too well things do not always go as planned as the Nelson Minor Hockey product prepares to enter the world of professional hockey.
After not hearing his name called out for the second consecutive year last week at the 2015 National Hockey League entry draft in Sunrise, Florida, the 6-foot, 200-pound forward already has a direction in place.
Hunt, 19, is off to the La Belle Province Friday to attend the Montreal Canadiens Development Camp, which begins Sunday in Brossard, Quebec.
“Montreal contacted me before the draft to say if I didn’t go in the draft they’d like to offer me a tryout,” Hunt told The Nelson Daily from Kelowna where he’s training for the upcoming season.
“I was hoping I would get drafted but now I’m heading to Montreal and I couldn’t be happier.”
Hunt was optimistic his name would be called after a stellar season in the Western Hockey League with Regina Pats and Medicine Hat Tigers.
Hunt put up 83 points during the regular season before adding five goals in 10 playoff games for the Tigers.
“Ya, I am a little disappointed,” Hunt lamented.
“I mean with all those rankings before (draft) it kind of puts into your head that there’s always a possibility.
“I thought I had a pretty good year but unfortunately it didn’t happen.”
It’s tough,” he added, “but I’m now heading to Montreal with guys who got drafted so this is an exciting opportunity to show what I’ve got.”
Hunt leaves Friday for the Habs Development Camp. He is part of a list of tryout-invitees the Montreal Scouting Department has put together.
There is also more than 20 Montreal draft prospects from the past three seasons, including Hunt’s teammate at Medicine Hat, Matthew Bradley.
Hunt also said former Nelson Minor Hockey graduate Tim McGauley is also attending the camp.
McGauley played the last three seasons in Brandon, where he registered 105 points last season scoring 42 goals playing center.
“It’s every kids dream to get drafted but some players take a little tougher road toward their dream,” Hunt explained.
“For me I didn’t get drafted two years in a row, but I’ll just go to Montreal and try to prove people wrong and try to make the most of my opportunity.”
The Habs also invited Hunt to their Prospects Camp in September.
So the son of Carla DeBiasio and Jeff Hunt has two chances to impress the coaching staff.
Smart man that Dryden Hunt.
Smart man.
