FeedsColumbus team drafts Whaler Sestito
Tom Sestito began playing hockey in Syracuse when he was 4 years old at the urging of his grandfather.
Fourteen years later, Sestito is doing what many beginning hockey players dream of: playing in the minor leagues with the Plymouth Whalers.
But Sestito’s dream isn’t to play in the minor leagues. His dream is to play in the National Hockey League.
On June 24, Sestito came one step closer to realizing that dream when he was picked 85th overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft in Vancouver by the Columbus Blue Jackets, two spots ahead of teammate John Armstrong.
“Early on in the season no one had him on the draft list, but he worked very hard this season and was our most improved player,” Whalers head coach Mike Velluchi said.
Not only was Sestito the most improved player, he was one of the team’s leading scorers during the playoffs, scoring five goals in just 13 games.
And Sestito hopes to continue to improve with the Whalers in the 2006-2007 season, especially if he is to make the Blue Jackets team.
“Being drafted was the best thing for him, but it’s just a stepping stone. He knows he needs to continue to work hard,” said Patty Picard, who is one of Sestito’s landparents , who provides a home for Sestito in Canton.
Being from New York, Sestito is thrilled that he was drafted by the Columbus.
“It’s a good organization. A team mate was drafted there last year and he said they are very laid back,” Sestito said, referring to Whalers team mate Jared Boll. “I’ve been there and met everyone and they are all great.”
“And their AHL team is in Syracuse,” he added.
Sestito’s father, who attended the draft with his son, is excited about the Blue Jackets as well, he said.
“They are on their way up,” Peter Sestito said. “They are a young team and they are going to improve a lot this year. They’ve got a lot of really talented guys.”
And before long, Sestito hopes to be another one of those talented Blue Jackets.
“Just keep living your dream,” Sestito advises. “When I came here I never thought being drafted would happen to me.”
“When they called my name, my heart dropped,” he added. “It was the best feeling in my life.”
Sestito ended the regular season with 10 goals, 10 assists and 167 penalty minutes in 57 games. He added five goals, two assists and 29 penalty minutes in the playoffs.
Sestito was drafted by the Whalers 93rd overall in the fifth round in the 2003 OHL draft.
