When he was much younger than his 18 years, Braeden Cootes was one of those local kids lining up and waiting hours for Edmonton Oilers autographs.

“Yeah, I think I was at West Edmonton Mall,” said the Vancouver Canucks ’ first-round draft pick, who grew up in Sherwood Park, hanging out with Oilers and SportsNet’s play-by-play man Jack Michaels’ son Tyler, going back to when they were in elementary school.

So, yes, it is a small world, with Michaels calling the late NHL game Saturday along with partner Louie DeBrusk, whose son Jake, of course, plays for the Canucks.

“Cootes was a linemate of my son’s in atom hockey. He was a few months younger than Tyler. They’ve played golf together for years. Great family,” said Michaels.

Cootes certainly has a soft spot for the Michaels clan.

“I

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