Before they chose homegrown talent Jake Karabela in the second round of Saturday’s OHL draft, Guelph Storm general manager George Burnett had a talk with him.
“There are challenges when you’re a local guy. It’s not always easy to play in front of family and friends every night,” said Burnett of the heart-to-heart he had with Karabela.
In the end both sides agreed it wasn’t a problem.
Karabela was chosen by Guelph in the second round of the draft, 32nd overall.
The five-foot-11, 160-pound centre had 36 goals and 32 assists in 45 games last season with the Guelph Jr. Gryphons coached by Rick Chapman.
Teammates Madden Steen was taken in the third round by the Owen Sound Attack and goaltender Richard Szajek was taken in the ninth round by Kingston.
“I’m pretty good right now,” said Karabela, shortly after being chosen.
“It’s an absolute honour. What a surreal moment. My family and I are so excited, I played my whole minor hockey career in Guelph,” he said.
The Karabelas watched the draft online, joined via a Zoom meeting by many family members who had to stay away for physical distancing precautions.
“To be able to be drafted by my hometown and hopefully play on the big stage is one of the best things I could ever ask for.”
Karabela said he gave some thought to the pressures of playing in his hometown, with Burnett asking what it would be like to be a healthy scratch in front of family and friends.
In the end he didn’t really see it as a challenge.
“That’s just the way it is. The game is bigger than just hockey and you have to be mentally prepared as well as physically prepared, so whatever is best for the team, you have to go with.
“I’m fine with that.”
Burnett said Karabela was on their radar all season.
"We're thrilled to add him. I've heard from a lot of people already how hard he's working doing everything he can to be ready to go."
The Centennial CVI student described himself as a good two-way player who looks after his own end while letting his high hockey IQ take over in the offensive end.
Ironically he didn’t have any conversations with the Storm until after the season ended.
“We were definitely pushing for Guelph … I’m definitely happy it worked out.”
