St. Louis Blues Choose Minnetonka H.S. Grad in 2013 NHL Draft

The St. Louis Blues chose recent Minnetonka High School graduate and Golden Gopher recruit Tommy Vannelli with the 47th overall pick in the 2013 NHL Draft.

Vannelli will join the University of Minnesota on defense this fall wearing No. 3. 

"A big thank you to my family, my friends, teammates, and coaches for helping me get to today!" Vanelli tweeted Sunday night shortly after being drafted. "Couldn't have done it without them."

Vannelli was the second Minnesotan taken in Sunday's draft overall. Edina's Connor Hurley was selected No. 38 by the Buffalo Sabers and will play college hockey at Notre Dame.

Tweets from around the nation:

• Gopher Hockey @GopherHockey: Congrats to incoming #Gophers freshman Tommy Vannelli -- drafted 47th overall (2nd Rd.) by the @StLouisBlues. #NHLDraft
• Shelbie. @ShelbMali" Wow u go tommy vannelli. I think I might have had a crush on u in 5th grade???? I don't remember.
• Matt Sebek @MattSebek" The Blues drafted Tommy Vannelli, who sounds like the name of an 80's movie high school bully.
• Zack Fisch @zackfisch: Blues love their Minnesota HS players and select Tommy Vannelli from Minnetonka HS with their pick in the 2nd Round.
• Over The Boards @OTBPuckWatch: Minnetonka D Tommy Vannelli’s stock went up after his performance in the U18 Tny which could propel him into the 1st rd of the NHL Draft
• Let's Play Hockey @LetsPlay_Hockey: Minnetonka D Tommy Vannelli’s stock went up after his performance in the U18 Tny which could propel him into the 1st rd of the NHL Draft

Vannelli, who was a finalist for Minnesota Mr. Hockey, scored 35 points in 27 games during his final season with the Skippers. He also won a silver medal at the World Under-18 Championships in Russia, where he scored two goals and one assist.

The Blues' scouting report on Vannelli: "Great mobility, excellent stick-handler, protects the puck well and can skate out of danger. He is vulnerable to big forwards and needs to bulk up."