WINGS: When did you know that you had been selected in the 2014 NHL Draft?
ZACH: Actually I was out on the golf course with my dad and a couple of my buddies. We were out there because I didn’t want to be sitting in front of the TV wondering when or if I was going to go. I think we were playing the 16th hole of the day and all at once I got a bunch of text messages saying “Congrats” so I knew I had been drafted. Still didn’t know who until I called my mom.
Zach Nagelvoort was drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the 4th round of the 2014 NHL Draft with the 111th Overall Selection. Nagelvoort is currently with the University of Michigan Wolverines hockey program after finishing his NAHL career with the Aberdeen Wings during the 2012-2013 season. As an Aberdeen Wings goaltender, he compiled an 8-1-1 record in just 10 games played that season.
WINGS: Were you contacted right away by the Edmonton Oilers?
ZACH: Not right away, I think it was 20-30 minutes later. The general manager called to introduce himself and give me an idea what we had coming up as far as development camp.
WINGS: What is the next step now with the Edmonton Oilers?
ZACH: I flew out the next day for a 7-day development camp in which we did a lot of physical work, ice-work, and team building. Pretty cool experience.
WINGS: What was the biggest difference making the jump from the NAHL to Division I hockey?
ZACH: The biggest thing I noticed was how much more faster the game was. In the NAHL, each team’s top two lines have very skilled players where in college, at least I noticed, every line is good.
WINGS: Did you know that you would be selected in the NHL this year?
ZACH: I had been talking to my family and my coaches, and they had said there were teams that were interested. So I knew there was a chance of it, but I never thought like “yeah, this is going to happen”. Obviously I’m more than happy that the Edmonton Oilers selected me.
WINGS: Tell us about your experience in the NAHL and the Aberdeen Wings?
ZACH: I think playing the NAHL definitely help shape me into the player I am today. Playing in Aberdeen was great, and playing for Coach Winter was phenomenal. He treated his players like members of his own family and I really can’t say enough good things about him.
WINGS: Your time with the Aberdeen Wings, tell us what it was like playing in the organization?
ZACH: The biggest thing for me personally was the fact that the team was relatively young, it was my first opportunity to really step in as a leader. And as one of the guys playing most of the games, it felt good to help the younger guys with the mindset it takes on the ice.
Nagelvoort was one of two former Wings players selected in the 2014 NHL Draft as former teammate and defenseman Steven Johnson was selected by the defending-champs Los Angeles Kings in the 4th Round.