Calgary Hitmen’s Jake “The Snake” Virtanen is ready to make a splash: Making The Jump

Even though he didn't actually go to the draft, Jake Virtanen soaked in the enjoyment of being the first-overall pick of the 2011 Western Hockey League bantam draft as much as he could.

"I stayed home from school that day to watch the bantam draft on my computer," says Virtanen. "I had my grandparents over and just spent the day with my family. I was so excited when the Calgary Hitmen drafted me with the first pick. It's great to be the first pick selected. And I heard great things about the Hitmen; it was a win-win situation."

Virtanen joined an exclusive list of prominent players, including Edmonton Oilers' Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Calgary Flames' Jay Bouwmeester, and Philadelphia Flyers' Brayden Coburn, selected with the top pick of the bantam draft.

"It's great to be the top pick of the draft," says Virtanen. "Guys like Nugent-Hopkins and Bouwmeester went on to do great things. I hope I can do the same."

The Abbotsford B.C., native was very happy to be able to spend his big day with his family. Several of his family members have had huge impacts on his hockey career, including his older brother, Stefan Virtanen, who plays for the Drumheller Dragons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

"My family has really helped me grow as a hockey player," says Virtanen. "My mom (Brigitte) taught me how to skate. She brought me to skating lessons and stuff when I was younger. My dad (Rainer) got me interested in hockey. He use to take me to watch Vancouver Giants games and has also gave me pointers. And growing up watching my brother, Stefan, play junior hockey, that made me want to play junior hockey too. He use to play for the Flin Flon Bombers (of the SJHL) and now he's back in Alberta. He has been a great role model."

Hitmen fans got a taste of what Virtanen has to offer this past season. The 5-foot-11, 163-pound winger suited up for nine regular-season games, posting three goals and an assist. He also spent a five-game post-season stint in Calgary.

"I noticed a huge difference in goaltending, maturity, and talent from major midget to the Dub," says Virtanen. "It was a great experience. It helped me see what it takes to be a good player at that level as a 15-year-old. So next year when I'm 16 (Virtanen turns 16 in August), it will an easier transition to the league."

Virtanen has high hopes for his first full-time season with the Hitmen next year. Despite not being a fan of predictions, the youngster went on record to state he hopes to light the lamp 30 times next year.

"I don't like to make predictions or specific goals, but I want to be one of their better players next year," says Virtanen. "I hope to prove that by scoring 30 goals. I think that's a realistic number."

1. How would you describe yourself as a player?

"I'm a power forward. I think I'm a good skater and am mainly known for scoring goals. I take the puck hard to the net and try to make things happen."

2. What type of training have you been doing to prepare for next season?

"I've been working out a lot at Apollo's gym. I do a lot of circuit training. I also do a lot of skating. I'm working hard to gain muscle and get stronger."

3. How do you think your rookie season of major midget hockey with the Fraser Valley Bruins went last year?

"I think my season went pretty good with the Bruins. I scored at a point-per-game pace (17 goals and 39 points in 39 games) and played a strong two-way game. My team did struggle, though. We weren't that strong of a team."

4. Do you try to model your game after a player in the NHL?

"I try to play like someone like (New York Rangers star) Rick Nash. He's a great two-way player that is very skilled. I also look up to (Chicago Blackhawks') Jonathon Toews and Patrick Kane. They are also great two-way players that score a lot of goals."

5. Who's your favourite NHL team?

"The Vancouver Canucks. I like them just because I grew up in B.C. and just grew up watching them."

Kelly Friesen is a Buzzing the Net columnist for Yahoo! Sports. Follow him on Twitter @KellyFriesen