Stepping Into His Father’s Skates

Panthers prospect Wilkie follows his father’s path to the NHL

by Nathalie Sczublewski

Published to FloridaPanthers.com on July 20, 2015

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Christopher Wilkie at Florida Panthers IceDen. Photo by: Nathalie Sczublewski

As he sat in his friend’s house in Minnesota watching the 2015 NHL Draft on his laptop, Christopher Wilkie received a phone call from a Florida number. He answered and was informed that he was drafted in the sixth round by the Florida Panthers. The moment was a dream come true for the 18-year-old Omaha, Neb. native.

“I was watching the Draft on my computer when I got the call,” said Wilkie. “It was very exciting.”

Wilkie began playing hockey by age three with the guidance of his father David, who played in the NHL for the Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning and New York Rangers.

2015 Draft a ‘Dream’ for Panthers Prospect Schemitsch

Guidance from family, Owen Sound organization important in Schemitsch’s development

Originally published to FloridaPanthers.com on July 13, 2015

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Photo by Nathalie Sczublewski

At 18-years-old, Schemitsch and his family packed their bags and booked a flight to Fort Lauderdale, Fla. for the 2015 NHL Draft. He sat with his family at BB&T Center, eagerly waiting for his name to be called on Saturday, June 27. Finally, in the third round (88th overall), Schemitsch heard his name and he pulled the Florida Panthers sweater over his head.

“It was a dream come true,” he said with a smile. “I couldn’t believe it when I got called.”