Three Whalers Selected in 2012 NHL Entry Draft

Plymouth Whalers right wing Tom Wilson was selected by the Washington Capitals in the first round (16th overall) of the 2012 National Hockey League Entry Draft, held Friday in Pittsburgh.

On Saturday, the Colorado Avalanche selected Whalers center Mitchell Heard in the second round (41st overall).  Right wing Cody Payne went to the Boston Bruins in the fifth round (145th overall).

Heard was succinct in a Twitter message:

"Thanks to the best family ever for pushing me to be the best I can be. Love all my friends and family. Happiest day of my life."

Washington Capitals.com has a video of Wilson's selection.  

Click this link to see video of the the moment Tom was selected and the immediate analysis by TSN.

NHL.com also has audio of Washington GM George McPhee discussing the selection of Wilson and the other first round pick of the Capitals - Philip Forsberg of Sweden, who was taken 11th overall.

Check out Washington Caps.com senior writer Mike Vogel's blog.

MORE VIDEO (courtesy of Washington Capitals):  Wilson meets the media on Friday.  Wilson goes one-on-one with Mike Vogel.

Colorado Avalanche.com runs down the team's draft, featuring Rick Pracey, Colorado's Director of Amateur Scouting (a regular at Compuware Arena).

Steve House of The Mile High Hockey Blog profiles Heard.

Here's a complete list of Whalers selected in the National Hockey League Entry Draft, dating back to 1990.

Click this link for the complete 2012 NHL Entry Draft selections.