PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The 2012 NHL Draft is in town. Friday and Saturday, hockey fans will be looking to Pittsburgh, as teams choose who will be wearing their club’s sweaters next year.

Thirteen of the top-rated hockey prospects took a cruise with the Gateway Clipper fleet Thursday. Waves of media boarded the Empress to interview the prospects.

“Five-hundred media from around North America and overseas are here to cover the draft,” says NHL spokesman David Keon.

Center Alex Galchenyuk of Milwaukee likes what he’s seen of Pittsburgh. “You kind of feel that atmosphere here, and you see a lot of arenas and stadiums here, so it’s a great sports town for sure.”

It’s the first time in Pittsburgh for a TV crew from Regina, Saskatchewan.

“Last night the view from Mount Washington was front and center from all the CYV stations in Saskatchewan,” says photographer Gareth Dillistone.

“We have so many top prospects that are here, and everyone back home is really looking forward to seeing what it’s like for them here, and where they’ll go in the draft,” adds reporter Julie Stewart-Binks. “And that’s why we’re here.”

Top-ranked goalie Malcolm Subban has the best approach. “Just have fun with it all and be happy.”

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