Blackhawks draft pick Mason West details his journey & connections to central Illinois

(WAND) - Mason West has unfinished business at Edina High School in Edina, Minnesota. Entering his senior year, he's preparing to put on the football pads for one final time in an attempt to win a state title. Standing at 6'6" and weighing over 215-pounds, Mason's a hard guy to take down.

It's made him the perfect build for hockey and exactly the kind of player NHL teams are looking for. His build is much like that of his father, Mike, a former basketball player at Eastern Illinois University.

"He wanted me to play basketball at first just because I'm a taller dude," Mason says. "I think right when I moved to Minnesota, there's just a lot of hockey. Being in the state of hockey is super cool so when I stepped into Minnesota I kind of had a pair of skates thrown on and started skating."

Mike, from Warrensburg, brings Mason and family back to Illinois whenever they can for reunions. Mason says he's made the trip at least 5 times and loves to say hi to his relatives.

"It's cool to see my uncle's place and the houses that are so close nearby," Mason adds. "It's a good tight-knit community."

Mason caught the attention of scouts in the NHL and quickly gained attention as a possible draft prospect. As a junior he scored 27 goals and made 22 assists in 31 games. Before long, a future as a professional hockey player didn't seem far away.

"I'm just blessed to be in the position I am," he says. "I have a really good support system around me to keep a level head. I'm still 17. I still have another year of high school."

In June, Mason heard his name called at the NHL Draft in Las Vegas. With the 29th overall pick, he was selected by his favorite team - the Chicago Blackhawks.

"I've always been a Blackhawks fan," Mason points out. "I always used to love watching Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews and Duncan Keith in those championship eras when they had that."

While he still has goals of winning club championships before he makes his next move, Mason isn't shy about a dream scenario for his possible career.

"I think maybe just scoring a goal and seeing the United Center go crazy or the feeling of the crowd going crazy after a home win."

During the summer, Mason has still been working hard to train himself for one final year with his friends on the gridiron before a hopefully long career on the ice.

"I love both sports equally," he said. "I always have football in my hand when I go to hockey and I always have a hockey stick when I'm in football season."

Even before he graduates, Mason has the potential to live the dream so many young athletes have - getting to represent their favorite team on the big stage.