The Ottawa Senators wrapped up the first round of the NHL Draft with a feel-good story.
Ottawa selected London Knights forward Jaxon Cover with the No. 32 pick on Friday, who was visibly emotional when he heard his name called.
Cover, 18, didn’t begin playing ice hockey until the age of 13.
He grew up in the Cayman Islands, where he was an accomplished roller hockey player before eventually making the transition to the ice.
By April 2024, Cover was selected by London in the fourth round of the OHL’s draft of 16-year-old prospects. He had two assists in three games with London two years ago. Last season, he had a team-leading 20 goals and finished second with 52 points in 67 games.
Cover was the Senators’ second selection of the night, as they also selected Swedish winger Jonas Lagerberg with the 25th overall selection.