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Behind-The-Scenes NHL Draft Show With Oliver Bonk, Connor Bedard Is Terrific

Originally posted on | By Chuck Bausman | Last updated 7/24/23

“Welcome to the NHL” is a must-see TV show featuring Philadelphia Flyers prospect Oliver Bonk and other NHL Draft picks.

The show is from NHL Productions and it’s 40-plus minutes of terrific, behind-the-scenes footage of last month’s NHL Draft in Nashville.

Bonk (22nd overall pick) was among seven players featured along with Connor Bedard (No. 1 overall, Blackhawks), Adam Fantilli (No. 3, Blue Jackets), Will Smith (No. 4, Sharks), Oliver Moore (No. 19, Blackhawks), Carey Terrance (No. 59, Ducks) and Jacob Fowler (No. 69, Canadiens).

The show is available on YouTube. It debuted on ESPN+ on Friday night and was on NHL Network on Saturday and Sunday.

No spoilers, but you’ll see Bonk having a little fun with his dad, former NHL player Radek Bonk, about mullets.

Oliver’s mom offers timely and sound fashion advice, plus comments about her son’s hair and stubble. (She’s a mom.) Radek is supportive, philosophical and funny.

Oliver said he grew up watching the NHL Draft. “It’s kinda crazy that I’m in it now,” Bonk said.

When Oliver was drafted, he was greeted by Flyers president Keith Jones: “So happy to have you. We thought you would go earlier, buddy. We’re so grateful that you’re there. We know how good you’re going to be.”

You also get a little bonus footage when the Flyers drafted Matvei Michkov.

It’s the best of television. It’s funny, emotional, you see the friendship among the players, the family love, the excitement over what was about to happen … and did happen. You can’t beat the interactions and conversations.

“Welcome to the NHL,” earned a 2023 Sports Emmy Award for coverage of the 2022 draft in Montreal and you can see why.

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This article first appeared on Philly Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission.

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