Minnesota Wild Select Alex Tuch in First Round of 2014 NHL Draft

In the first round of the 2014 NHL Draft, the Minnesota Wild took RW Alex Tuch from the USA U-18 Development Team. The youngster shows a lot of promise and appears to have a bright future ahead of himself. Here are some quick bullet points about the kid, via nhl.com:

-In 2013-14, his second season with the U.S. National Team Development Program, Tuch tied for the under-18 team-lead with seven game-winning goals and a plus-35 rating. He ranked third on the club with 64 points (29-35—64) in 61 games.

- A two-time medalist with Team USA, Tuch won gold at the 2014 Under-18 World Championship (0-3—3 in seven games) and bronze at the 2013 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge (1-3—4 in 6 games). He was also part of the U.S. Under-18 team that finished first at the 2012 Four Nations Tournament.

-Growing up, he idolized his neighbor, Tim Connolly, a Syracuse native who played 11 NHL seasons with the New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres and Toronto Maple Leafs.

-In 2011-12, Tuch set the Empire Junior Hockey League scoring record with 101 points (44-57—101) in 40 games as a 15-year-old.

-He has committed to Boston College for the fall of 2014: “Boston College has always been my dream school. I can remember watching them in the Frozen Four when I was six

Wild Coach Mike Yeo Recieves Contract Extension

And we couldn't be happier. The man deserves it after taking the team into the second round for just the second time in franchise history and posting a total record of 104-82-26 in his first three seasons at the helm.

Here is what Yeo had to say in a release posted on the Wild's website:

”I am very excited to continue to coach the Minnesota Wild and pursue a Stanley Cup for the State of Hockey,” said Yeo. “Our fan support has been amazing and it went to a new level during the playoffs this season. We are all motivated to reward them.”

Wild General Manager Chuck Fletcher praised Yeo for the work he has put in over the past three seasons and also said in the release that the organization looks forward to Yeo's ongoing leadership as head coach.