"Just being drafted, by any team, is an honour. But to have it be Calgary. That sure ran though my head: 'Oh my God, this is my team. The team I grew up cheering for.'
"That's a pretty rare, pretty special feeling."
Playing for USHL Muskegon last season, Pettersen contributed 14 goals and 46 points for the Lumberjacks and is committed to continuing his hockey education with the Pioneers at the University of Denver this fall.
"I just want to learn as much as possible through college. I think I can become a player. That's always been my dream. It's a long-distance dream right now, I know, but I had the belief in myself and from my teammates this past year. And school is, I hope, going to prepare me to have a shot at the NHL.
"When I get to dev camp, we'll look at my skating and really create a program I can work on through the summer and for next year."
The influx of prospects through the organizational structure, the steady stream of movement from the AHL to the big club, the opportunity to leave a mark and make a name has only whetted the young Norwegian's competitive appetite.
"You see all these young players getting a chance with the Flames, inside their organization, and it really does give you hope,'' acknowledges Pettersen. "It just makes me more motivated, knowing you actually have a shot."
The journey, naturally, is only beginning. It continues at Magness Arena on the U of Denver campus this fall. There's a ways to travel, a lot of growing up to do, before he slips on that favourite jersey for real, in an NHL regular-season skirmish.
And, sorry to break the news, but down the road a piece, that iconic No. 12, the one he grew up wearing proudly on the pond, idolizing, will be either officially or unofficially off limits.
"No problem,'' counters the long-standing Flames' fan wryly, with a nice dose of deference to a legend.
"I wouldn't dream of asking for that number, anyway."