For Bowmanville native Josh Bailey, living close to the site of the 2008 NHL Draft meant being able to bring a sizable crew for what was going to be one of the biggest days of his hockey career and easily the most important at that time. It was on his mind on the drive and long before then.

It's about three-and-a-half hours up Route 401 from Bowmanville, ON to Ottawa and that fact doesn't mean much unless you're a top NHL prospect with a big family.

"You spend a lot of time through the course of the season thinking about the draft and what could happen or where you might end up and it all just comes together quickly," Bailey said. "It's definitely an experience I have fond memories of."

Bailey was drafted 10 years ago, but the memories are still fresh. He remembers the draft as an exciting, but a nerve wracking time, especially in the days and hours leading up to it.

The big question was obviously where he was going to end up. He'd seen a couple of pre-draft rankings to see where he stacked up, but tried to pay it no mind. He sympathizes with today's prospects who are inundated with rankings and mock drafts in the age of social media.

"It was probably easier when I went through it," Bailey said. "You didn't necessarily have it at your fingertips at all times. You are aware of where you're ranked in the draft and whatnot, but aside from that, you never really know on draft day what's going to happen. Each team has their own rankings that they go by. You're just hoping for the best and for a good fit."

That team was ultimately the Islanders, but their path to Bailey zigged and zagged on draft night. The Islanders started the night with the fifth pick before trading down to seventh and eventually ninth, stockpiling picks along the way.

Bailey had a feeling he was going to the Islanders when his agent sat down next to him in the stands at Scotiabank Place (now Canadian Tire Centre), when the Isles were on the clock at nine.

"He didn't say hey you're going to get picked or anything like that because I don't think he knew for sure, but I think he had a feeling I was going to go there," Bailey said. "We were just sitting there hoping for the best and everything kind of comes together when your name gets called and it's a special feeling that still gives you butterflies when you think about it."

Bailey didn't have to wait too long to hear his name that night, but it still felt like time was dragging on. After putting the jersey on for the first time on stage, time accelerated and before he knew it, the night was over.

"Leading up, that whole day just feels like it takes forever and then you're picked and the next thing you know you're back in your hotel room," Bailey said. "It all goes by pretty quick. Everyone says just make sure you enjoy it and it's true because it does go by really quick."

Bailey has come a long way from his draft in 2008, setting career-highs in goals (18), assists (53) and points (71) and played in his first all-star game. As his career continues to move forward, he still makes time for the draft every year, in part because it brings back good memories and in part because he's still just a big hockey fan.

"I always still watch the draft now and can't help but think back to when it was you and you were in their position and really just worked out great for me being drafted by the Islanders," Bailey said. "It was something I'll cherish forever."