DRAFTFASHIONISTA

A dumbfounded look, a record amount of 'you knows', a 175 pound frame in a double-breasted suit, and a mullet that truly put the achy in breaky.

I believe that's how Livonia, Michigan's Mike Modano introduced himself to the professional hockey world two decades ago when the Stars organization selected him with the first overall pick at the 1988 NHL Entry Draft.

Twenty years ago this month!

The Twinkles haven't picked first overall since, and Modano, validating the pick, has gone on to be the greatest American on blades (With the obvious exception of Chaz Michael Michaels). Along the way he's become both an icon of style and purveyor of solid acting chops - as seen during his strong to very strong cameo in the Mighty Ducks movie.

The horror.

You know how your high school yearbook is an everlasting indictment on your late teen insecurities and confused fashion sense -- well same goes for 'Draft Day' in a hockey players life. Whatever was supposedly 'in' that year, was on you. And you were smilin' and steppin' lightly.

Duran Duran hair highlights.

Billy Ray mullets

Double breasted suits.

Skinny leather ties.

You get the picture.

Now unlike those already well known, instantly rich (and over handled) NBA and NFL draftees with their custom made designer suits and smooth demeanors, hockey has always been a little fashion-tarded at the summer meat market - and most of the players look about as comfortable as Velcro underwear sitting there, for hours, in their chosen frocks.

The phrase 'earrings on a pig' comes to mind.

Anyway, Modano's game has held up extremely well over the past couple decades even if his 1988 fashion statement has not.

And twenty years from now, as we watch highlights of the 2008 Draft in our life-size holographic viewing chamber, we'll marvel at the clothing and grooming choices of those whose names were called.