For Winnipeg's Gavin Hodnett, the 2024 NHL Draft was just a stepping-stone to what he envisions a long and successful professional career in hockey.

The 18-year-old forward of the Western Hockey League's Edmonton Oil Kings entered the two-day summer spectacle as a bubble player. Ranked anywhere from 171 to 254, overall, Hodnett found himself placed at the No. 223 spot on Central Scouting's final rankings heading into the draft.

Previously selected 19th overall in the first round of the 2019 WHL Prospects Draft by the Oil Kings, the speedy playmaker understood the magnitude of possibly being drafted, but also entered NHL Draft weekend with the mentality that not being selected may actually be better for the trajectory of his career in the long run.

Dreaming Big, Staying Grounded

"It's incredible," he told Game On of being a player listed for consideration at the NHL Draft. "It's something that you dream of, and something that I want to pursue. It's certainly been a goal of mine for so long, but like you said, I am a fringe player going into it. So, for me, if I were to get the opportunity to be selected, that's great. But, if it doesn't happen, I'm still in that mindset that I believe I'm going to get there. And I think it is just going to motivate me even more."

From Draft Disappointment to a Hometown Call

As it turned out, Hodnett was not selected at the 2024 NHL Draft. But he did manage to land an invite to his hometown Winnipeg Jets Development Camp, where he skated with 35 other young NHL hopefuls making their case for professional contracts. Among those players were Jets' draft picks, protected players and camp invitees — to which Hodnett was classified.

"It definitely hurt not hearing my name called on Saturday at the draft," Hodnett said following the draft. "But, less than 24 hours later, receiving a call from the team I grew up idolizing was a great moment. It was the exact boost of motivation I needed. Going forward, I will make sure I don't let any opportunity I am given to demonstrate my abilities slip away. I plan on continuing to work even harder, and I know it will pay off."

Living the Dream at Jets Development Camp

Sure, being chosen as an NHL draft pick is one thing, but a St. Vital product suiting up at the Jets' development camp? That's certainly a whole other experience on its own.

"I cannot believe how surreal it was to attend the very camp of the team I've been cheering for my whole life," he reminisced. "It was a really cool experience to see how it is to be a Winnipeg Jet. I basically lived the 'day in the life' for half a week. I know I really worked hard to get there, so I hope I left a good impression on the staff and team."

"It was a grind each day; we went from 7:00 AM until we went to sleep," he added. "I'm not going to lie, I was so nervous throughout the camp, just really trying to showcase my skills. Although I was nervous, I felt good for the most part of the week. It was amazing to meet the other guys and build so many new friendships. These guys love the game as much as I do, so it's great to be around others like that; it definitely motivated and pushed me to try even harder each day. It was great to also hear from the different speakers throughout the week, who talked about what it's like and what is needed to play at the NHL level."

Size Is No Obstacle

Standing just 5-foot-8 and weighing 160 pounds, Hodnett knows his size may be a turn-off for some, but he has never let it get in his way of finding success.

"Honestly, I don't worry about that stuff," he said. "For a player to play in that league, you've got to have high hockey IQ and good skating. I think I have those tools, and it's just about getting the opportunity and taking it when it presents itself. What was big in the 1970s or even the 2000s... it's totally different than what it is now."

Why He Chose RINK

One way Hodnett has made the most of his opportunities was his decision to sign with RINK Winnipeg, where he played three years and continues to skate and train in the offseason.

"It's kind of a funny story, but I was actually really close to not even signing with the RINK," Hodnett laughed. "Most of my buddies were going to play for the Warriors, so that was kind of what I was thinking I'd do. But it was the walk-around at the RINK and checking out the facility, that was what really drew my attention back. And after going through that tour, I was hooked. It really helped me figure out that this was going to be the best spot for development. Looking back, it was by far the best decision for me."

Treated Like a Pro

And what was it about the RINK that gave Hodnett so much excitement?

"It wasn't just one thing," he replied. "They treat you like you're playing junior hockey. I look at my schedule now with the Oil Kings and it's quite literally the same thing. I go to school and put in my work, and then you get your team stuff done in the afternoon. They don't just build hockey players there, they actually treat you like junior hockey or professional hockey players. They get you prepared for those situations where you get to junior and you're basically already comfortable with it. So, that helped me tremendously, just being able to jump into a situation with Edmonton and just being comfortable with it."

Growth Through Testify

"I also just look back to how much I've grown through the RINK's Testify program," he said. "Matty (Asmundson) showed me a couple of pictures of how small I looked Day 1, and just seeing how far I've come... it's pretty crazy. But honestly, Matty is great at what he does. All the numbers that he can pull, just building programs off of that and what players really need to work on, it's pretty incredible. That's why I've stuck with him for three or four years now."

For Hodnett, the biggest physical change came through his time spent training at the RINK. His biggest emotional change came through his success at the 2023 U-17 World Championship where he scored a point-per-game representing his country. But now, the biggest psychological change will be that of overcoming what he calls draft day "mistakes" and proving to 32 NHL clubs that he can be a productive and capable player at the world's highest level.