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Gare Joyce recounts some of his favorite moments from watching prospects while working on the NHL draft blog, as he leaves after an eight-year run to pursue other career endeavors.

Why is Nail Yakupov the clear favorite to be the No. 1 pick in the 2012 NHL draft? Probably because he would have gone No. 1 this year -- had he been eligible. Now the high-flying Russian phenom will be the mark of every NHL team with a lottery pick.

Story | Conversation | July 18, 2011

From the June 28th issue of ESPN The Magazine: NHL scouts often overlook proven performance when they draft goalies, opting instead for guys who are, quite frankly, just big. But so far, Davids are outperforming Goliaths.

Story | Conversation | June 18, 2010

In the March 8 issue of ESPN The Magazine, Gare Joyce profiles a 14-year-old from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia named Nathan MacKinnon. 14 year old? Profiled in a magazine? Yea. Thing is: he's the next Sidney Crosby. Dive in to this amazing story.

Story | Conversation | February 24, 2010

When Nigerian-Russian Akim Aliu moved to Toronto with hid family six years ago, he'd never seen a hockey game. Now the Blackhawks draftee is on the verge of skating to the NHL.

There are stories about athletes beating the odds to reach the pros. ESPN The Magazine's Gare Joyce looks at Jonathan Cheechoo's journey.

For years, Bobby Ryan needed to live in the shadows. Now, it's only a matter of time until every NHL fan knows who he is.

Story | Conversation | December 08, 2005