Jeremy Morin strapped on his skates as a youngster, dreaming of what every kid wants - a chance to play professionally.

Now, the Auburn kid who isn't even old enough to vote has his dream in reach. Morin, who plays for USA Hockey's National Team Development Program Under-18 team, is projected to get drafted by the NHL in 2009. But Morin won't be sitting around waiting for his name to be called on draft day. Well, he may be sitting, but he probably won't be waiting long.

Morin is predicted to go high in the first round, a feat not many athletes can say they even came close to.

“This is a big year for my career,” Morin said. “The next couple will be even bigger.”

Local fans have a rare chance to see Morin skate this weekend when his team travels from Ann Arbor, Mich. to play games in Oswego and Ithaca.

“I haven't played in front of my family for a long time,” he said, “so it will be a good time.”

Morin's career has been on the fast track for a while now. He played against athletes much older than him on the Syracuse Stars, and was named the EJHL's Rookie of the Year. Not long after, Morin began skating for the U.S. Under-17 squad and quickly became the team's leading scorer.

He was brought up to the U-18 team, where he led the squad in scoring in the U-18 world championships. Morin had eight points and had multiple goals in the bronze medal game the U.S. won against Sweden.

A good showing at the U-18 championships can only help Morin this year. The team has high hopes for the tournament, which will showcase some of the world's top talent.

“In the last five or six years, the U.S. program has gotten a lot better and deeper,” he said. “We're competing more with Canada, and Canada has definitely been more of a powerhouse.”

His goal is to have a solid season and raise his draft status. Morin still has options. He could play for the U.S. Under-20 team or go to college. He will decide this winter, with schools North Dakota, Denver and others getting looks.

Whatever he decides, Morin's life could be changing quite soon.

“It's just another step,” he said. “It's a long way to go before you play in the NHL. I'm looking forward to this year. Getting a chance to get drafted is a dream of mine and I'm hoping for it to happen soon.”