Detroit — It was quite an emotional day for the Dower Nilsson family.
Noah was drafted by the Red Wings on Thursday, two years after his older brother Liam was drafted by the Wings.
The two shared a long hug after Noah’s name was called in the third round by the Wings.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling to share this with my family,” Noah in his press conference after being drafted. “It’s what I’ve dreamed of my whole life. It’s so cool.”
The entire Dower Nilsson family was there except for the mother, Bodil. Having fought cancer multiple times, Bodil died in 2017.
Noah made sure she was recognized Thursday.
“She’s my biggest idol,” Noah said.
Noah relishes his relationship with his older brother that much more after what the family has gone through.
“Very good, tight,” Noah said of their relationship. “He’s helped me along the way to be better. We’ve always supported each other to get to this point. We love each other so much.
“It’s unbelievable to share this with my family. They’ve always been with me and helped me to get here.”
Small world
Prospective draft pick Larry Keenan had an interesting item to tell Kris Draper, the Wings’ director of amateur scouting, when Keenan walked into the Wings’ interview room at the NHL draft combine.
It turns out Keenan’s grandfather Larry, and Draper’s father Mike were teammates at St. Michael’s junior team in Toronto.
“I don’t know if he wanted to make me feel old, but..,” said Draper, who enjoyed hearing the information.
Keenan’s grandfather played in the NHL for the St. Louis Blues and was involved in some interesting trivia nuggets.
“He scored the first-ever goal for St. Louis,” said Keenan, a rangy, mobile defenseman with an offensive upside. “He was also on the ice when Bobby Orr scored his famous goal in 1970 (flying through the air, in the Stanley Cup Final).
“He enjoyed playing quite a bit.”
Development camp
This week’s draft picks will join other recent Wings’ picks and prospects in a development camp starting Saturday at Belfor Center at Little Caesars Arena.
The features on-ice skill development and off-ice workouts each day, ending with a three-on-three tournament on Wednesday.
The camp will be split into three teams and will feature daily on-ice instruction and skill development from a team of coaches, led by the Red Wings player development staff.
General manager Steve Yzerman views the camp as an opportunity for the organization and players to get to know each other.
“It’s mostly just to spend a few days with them and make sure to set them up for a good off-season,” Yzerman said.
Ice chips
Defenseman Andrew Gibson (second round, 42nd overall) knew who to look for after hearing his name called by the Wings.
Gibson recovered from an early season lacerated kidney to have a big season for the Soo Greyhounds (OHL).
“My mom (Diana) wanted me to hug her first,” Gibson said. “I made that my goal.”
… Goaltender Rudy Guimond (169th overall, sixth round) was a big fan of the Red Wings growing up, specifically a favorite goalie.
“Detroit was my team growing up, so I’m really happy it happened (to be drafted by them),” Guimond said. “Jimmy Howard (favorite player). I liked his pads back in the day.”
… Goaltender Trey Augustine (South Lyon/Michigan State), the Wings’ second-round pick (41st overall) was thrilled to join the team he rooted for as a youngster.
“It’s a real honor to be picked by the Red Wings,” Augustine said. “I grew up watching games at Joe Louis Arena. It’s real special that it has come full circle.”
… Defenseman Brady Cleveland (47th overall, second round), like Augustine part of the Plymouth Township-based United States Development National Team Program, attended his first NHL game this past season at Little Caesars Arena.
So it was interesting Thursday that it was the Wings who drafted the rugged defenseman.
“There’s no place I’d rather be,” Cleveland said. “To hear your name called, you feel a rush. There’s nothing like that.”
ted.kulfan@detroitnews.com
Twitter: @tkulfan