It helped, too, that he became good friends with Hextall, who will be charting a similar path in Calgary alongside him now.
“We made a bet of who would be drafted earlier,” Trejbal laughed. “It’s funny we got drafted by the same team. I just talked to him and we were laughing about it.
“He won. He was earlier. But it doesn’t matter – it’s just a number.”
There is, however, one aspect of the cultural shift he’s had trouble adjusting to.
“The only thing I don’t like in the U.S. is the food,” Trejbal laughed. “I’m trying to eat healthier, but everything there is fried.
“It’s not a huge deal. I can eat Chipotle or cook for myself, but it was something that I had to get used to.
“Otherwise, coming to the U.S. and playing in North America was a dream of mine because it meant I was getting closer [to playing in the NHL].”
Trejbal wasn’t personally on hand at the draft in Buffalo, instead choosing a more intimate setting by celebrating at home with his parents and grandparents. He was following along closely, painstakingly riding the highs and lows as the picks ticks by, until fate – seemingly – intervened.
His screen froze right when the Flames were up on the clock; an already fickle and fleeting heartrate, likely, skyrocketing at this point.
Moments later, his phone rang and his agent let him in on the news.
Before long, the calls came fast and furious – including one from Sigalet, who was one of his biggest backers in the entire organization.
“He asked how I was doing and reminded to bring my passport,” Trejbal said. “I can’t wait to get to Calgary. I’m ready to pack my things and get there as soon as possible.”