LAS VEGAS — Years later, when Michael Branceg Nygard recounts the story of when he was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings, it may sound like an exaggerated tale.
Here's the story: He's a Norwegian playing in Sweden. He flies to Las Vegas, gets swept up in the glitz and glamour of the gambling capital of the world, and gets drafted 15th overall by the Red Wings. The event takes place at the Sphere, a high-tech concert hall marvel shaped like a sphere. Hall of Famer Nicklas Lidstrom announces his selection. Celine Dion was there to announce the Canadiens' pick. A couple of picks before, legendary ring announcer Michael Buffer takes to the stage to announce the Philadelphia Flyers' draft pick. He delivers his catchphrase: “Are you ready to go?”
You can forgive Branzeg Nygaard if his unforgettable night seemed surreal.
“It's hard to try to see it all,” he said, “but it's pretty cool.”
Norwegian hockey history
The Red Wings made Branceg Nygaard the first Norwegian player to be selected in the first round of the NHL Draft. Prior to Friday, no Norwegian had been selected earlier than 42nd overall. But no one has been more Norwegian than Branceg Nygaard.
“It's been a dream for a long time and now it's a dream come true,” he said, “so I'm just going to work hard, do what I always do and hopefully become an NHL player soon.”
Brandzeg Nygaard said he dreamed of being drafted when he was younger, and he decided to take advantage of the stronger competition in the Swedish league to make his dream a reality.
“It felt so far away, but after my first season in Sweden it felt so much closer,” he said. “And I felt like I had a chance to be a first-round draft pick, so that was a big motivation and I was really happy.”
Coincidentally, the Anaheim Ducks drafted another Norwegian with the 23rd pick, Stian Solberg, a defenseman who plays for Oslo in the Norwegian league.
Participating in the World Championships
At just 18 years old, Brantseg Nygaard was talented enough to be selected for the Norwegian national team at the World Championships, where he scored three goals and five points in a tournament filled with NHL players, playing alongside his idol, Mats Zuccarello.
“It was a good experience playing with him,” Branceg Nygaard said. “He just told me to hold the shot down. Pass the puck so I could shoot. That's all he said.”
Branseg Nygaard learned a lot from playing against NHL players.
“I learned that you just have to keep your feet moving,” he said. “Just keep your speed, especially playing against Canada. They were always first to the puck, first to the rebound.”
Participating in Skellefteå
Scouts have praised Branceg Nygaard for his shooting and speed. He had 18 points for Mora in the Swedish second division and will play for Skellefteå in the Swedish Hockey League next season, where last year's first-round draft pick, Aksel Sandin Pelikka, plays.
“Branseg Nygard also likes to play physically. The Red Wings want players who have both skill and a physical presence. That's the kind of culture the Red Wings want to foster.”
“I think I'm good at getting into defensive players and pushing them away,” he said. “Getting into defensive players so I can get the puck somewhere in the offensive zone and shoot. And then the forecheck. I think I'm good at getting in on defensive players quick and getting the puck back, so I try to stay in the offensive zone. I think I'm good at protecting the puck.”
Former NHL general manager and scout and current TSN analyst Craig Button has compared him to Zach Hyman.
“I'm not talking about Zach Hyman who scored 53 goals,” Button said, “I'm talking about the guy who scored 25 goals. I'm talking about a guy who sticks to his bones. He can play with good players and help them out. He's a really good penalty killer and he's good defensively.”
