VANCOUVER — “From Peterborough.”



That’s when Mercedes Robertson knew her son had been drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs.



After watching the entire first round and not hearing her son’s name, and then watching another 21 picks in the second round, Mercedes didn’t even need to hear the full announcement to know what was happening with the 53rd selection in the NHL Draft.



Even before the sentence could be finished – “From Peterborough, Nicholas Robertson” – Mercedes was on her feet yelling. Her husband, Hugh Robertson, was already turning to hug his son, and the rest of the Robertson clan was clamoring to celebrate with Nick.



On draft day, if the team follows full decorum, we get only the briefest glimpse of where that prospect is from.



Yes, Nick Robertson is a product of the Peterborough Petes, as stated during the announcement. But to understand where Nick Robertson truly is from,...