Josh Wesley follows in father's hockey footsteps
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- Wesley isn't like the other Canes draft picks.
"The first day, in all honest reality, it was pretty strange, but it's sunk in now, and it's exciting to have him out here," said Carolina's Director of Defensemen Development, Glen Wesley.
Glen and Josh share a name that already hangs in the upper rafters of PNC Arena, and now they cross paths in more ways than one, as potential employers, and father and son.
The elder Wesley knows what it means to be successful for this franchise. The former star defenseman was a member of that 2006 Stanley
Cup championship Hurricanes team and had his jersey retired by the franchise in 2009.
His son Josh was along for the ride during all of these special moments, but now he hopes to start his own hockey journey.
"A lot of the guys are here for the same thing and to make a roster spot so just anything I can do to get better, I will," Josh said.
"He's worked hard for this opportunity, and it's a dream come true for him -- especially with the Hurricanes," Glen said. "He grew up watching right in this building, and here he is today on the ice."
Josh not only follows in his dad's footsteps, but he also sets a legacy of his own, becoming the first player developed in North Carolina to be selected in the NHL Draft.
"We usually have to move away for hockey," Josh said, "but I think later, in the future, we can get some more showcases and stuff here so
that most of North Carolina will be looked at."
The younger Wesley will return to the Plymouth Whalers for the 2014-15 season, but for this short period of time during camp, he'll take orders from dad.
"He doesn't play favorites or anything. He wants everyone to be better, so any opportunity that he gets to give advice to other people, he gives it," he said. "I think he gives the same amount of advice to them as he does to me."
The saying goes that "father knows best," and the elder Wesley agrees that his son is making the most of this opportunity.
"You know, it's a dream come true to him," Wesley said, "and I think he's soaking in the whole experience."
