Hart, from Bible Hill, sat through 11 rounds the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League draft on Saturday before hearing his name called by the Halifax Mooseheads.
“It was a pretty cool feeling, my name getting called,” said Hart, the fourth pick in the 12th round, 203rd overall. “I was getting a little bit anxious there, but once I finally heard my name it was a pretty great feeling.”
Making it even more special was the fact that it was the Mooseheads who selected him – the hometown team, so to speak.
“Words can’t describe it, especially because it’s so close to home; an incredible feeling,” he said.
Hart was one of two Colchester County players taken in the 14-round draft held at Harbour Station in Saint John, N.B. Millbrook’s Hunter Martin was a seventh-round pick of the Sherbrooke Phoenix, 125th overall.
Hart had an impressive rookie season with the Weeks Major Midgets in 2016-17. The five-foot-six, 165-pound centre was fifth in team scoring with 19 goals and 21 helpers in 36 games.
“His height really doesn’t measure his heart,” Weeks coach Kyle MacLennan told The News in New Glasgow. “He’s a pretty determined kid.”
Hart, 16, looks forward to the opportunity of playing at the next level and will attend training camp with the Moose this summer.
“My plan is to go there and just work as hard as I can.”
Martin, a defenceman, said hearing his name called at the draft was a thrill, and a relief.
“It was nerve-wracking, really,” he said of sitting in the stands.
“It just feels like a weight’s been lifted off your shoulders. No pressure, wait until camp and show ’em what you’ve got.”
One of Martin’s biggest attributes is his size. Just 16, he stands six-foot-two and weighs 180 pounds. He also has a cannon for a shot, and feels he’s ready to step into the Q next season.
“I feel like my size and with the way I play I’m capable, but I’ve just got to prove I’m worthy enough to play.”
Martin scored five goals and added 15 assists in 36 games as a first-year player with Weeks last season. He also racked up 114 penalty minutes.
“He has a lot of raw talent and abilities,” MacLennan told The News.
Martin and Hart are both attending HubLetes Hockey this summer.
Profiles
Gavin Hart
Hometown: Bible Hill
Age: 16
Size: 5-6, 165 lbs.
Position: Centre
Shoots: Right
School: Grade 10, CEC
Drafted by: Halifax Mooseheads
Last season: Weeks Major Midgets (36 GP – 19G, 21A, 40 Pts.).
* * * *
Hunter Martin
Hometown: Millbrook
Age: 16
Size 6-2, 180 lbs.
Position: Defence
Shoots: Left
School: Grade 10, CEC
Drafted by: Sherbrooke Phoenix
Last season: Weeks Major Midgets (36 GP – 5G, 15A, 20 Pts.).
