It's hard to believe that one full week has passed since last Sunday's 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Amid all of the fireworks that we've witnessed in the last few days as America celebrated its independence, it's easy to forget that last week's draft in New Jersey held its own series of explosive developments -- and all of us here at Panini America aren't quite ready to say "goodbye" just yet.
It’s hard to believe that one full week has passed since last Sunday’s 2013 NHL Entry Draft. Amid all of the fireworks that we’ve witnessed in the last few days as America celebrated its independence, it’s easy to forget that last week’s draft in New Jersey held its own series of explosive developments — and all of us here at Panini America aren’t quite ready to say “goodbye” just yet.
In the several hours that passed last Sunday between the time the Colorado Avalanche selected Nathan MacKinnon first overall and the Chicago Blackhawks selected Robin Press with the 211th and final pick, the Prudential Center was nothing short of a rocking hockey house. And much of the excitement was taking place in the Panini America room away from public view. Luckily, we were there to document it all.
Earlier this week we brought you images of every first-round pick as seen through the lens of Panini America photographer Ric Fogel. Today, we’re delivering images of the other 19 future NHL stars selected after the first round that Fogel shot that day.
We’re also bringing you tons of other behind-the-scenes images taken from inside and outside the Panini America room that day — candid shots of the 2013 NHL Draft picks as they made their way through to meet Panini America officials, to pose for Fogel and to sign their first Panini America autographs. Also featured in the gallery below are scenes from the Panini America booth on the main Prudential Center concourse that was home to a robust 2012-13 Rookie Anthology wrapper-redemption program.
If you follow Panini America on Twitter, you likely saw some of these images last Sunday in real time. If you don’t . . . what are you waiting for? Either way, enjoy this massive gallery that chronicles all of the Panini America action from the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. And stay tuned to The Knight’s Lance in the coming days for a must-see video of MacKinnon, Seth Jones, Darnell Nurse and more running the Panini America gauntlet.
Love the pictures, thanks for representing us collectors at the show. Also love the Habs hats that they had there. Can’t wait for the Double Rookie Class cards.
Shesh, so young. The kid Fucale looks like he hasn’t even hit puberty yet. Good luck to all. Also, get these guys now to sign a beautiful signature before it becomes an awful habitual signature like the last generation of players. We need more Beliveau & Lindsay type auto’s from these guys. It makes the card look so much better. Panini needs to encourage a beautiful signature by sending back some that are just sloppy initials or chicken scratch.
*steps off soapbox*
Sorry about the rant Tracy. I didn’t mean to when I started the comment just ended up that way.
No worries. I completely understand. We impress upon these guys at every opportunity the importance of signing an autograph they can be proud of. Some get it, others don’t.
you’re the best Tracy.
This is why I love Panini, they actually relate to collectors and don’t just view them as “customers”.
Looks like the best time had in Jersey since Springsteen was there last, thanks for the comprehensive gallery Tracy!