Draft-day stories: Hossa, Crawford

With the NHL draft at the United Center on Friday, we asked 12 current or former Blackhawks to recall their draft-day experience. For Day 3, we take a look at one of the best goalies in team history, as well as a sure-fire Hall of Famer with more than 500 goals to his name.

Marian Hossa12th overall pick by Ottawa in 1997

"There's certain times in your career you're always going to remember, and definitely draft day (is one of them). I'm sitting there with my brother and my parents in the stands, hoping to get picked somewhere in the first part of the first round. When Ottawa announced my name, it was like a dream come true for me. What a feeling - finally entering the National Hockey League in some way."

Hossa remembered having meetings with quite a few teams in the days leading up to the draft.

"Obviously I needed a translator back then because I didn't speak much English. I remember meeting teams in different hotels. That was pretty amazing, interesting and a new experience for me. Just so much excitement."

Corey CrawfordSecond-round pick (52nd overall) in 2003.

"My family was there. I don't think I said a word to them the whole round and a half that I was waiting. It was pretty nerve-racking. It's a tense experience for young kids. At that age you don't think you're that young - you're 17, 18 - but that's a lot to go through for kids. It's not a ticket into the NHL and it's not the end of the world either. It's more a (getting) a foot in the door and a good chance at a (training) camp. Honestly I don't really remember that much of it. I sat there nervous the whole time. I just remember hugging my parents. Other than that, it's kind of a blur."