Minnetonka Hockey Player Chosen in Second Round of NHL Draft

A hockey player from Minnetonka was chosen in the second round of the NHL draft Sunday.

The St. Louis Blues chose defenseman and Gopher recruit Tommy Vannelli with their first pick (No. 47 overall).

"A big thank you to my family, my friends, teammates, and coaches for helping me get to today!" Tommy Vannelli tweeted on Sunday after the draft. "Couldn't have done it without them."

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

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 @GopherHockey14h: Congrats to incoming #Gophers freshman Tommy Vannelli -- drafted 47th overall (2nd Rd.) by the @StLouisBlues. #NHLDraft
• Shelbie. @ShelbMali7h" Wow u go tommy vannelli. I think I might have had a crush on u in 5th grade???? I don't remember.
• Matt Sebek @MattSebek14h" The Blues drafted Tommy Vannelli, who sounds like the name of an 80's movie high school bully.
• Zack Fisch @zackfisch14h: Blues love their Minnesota HS players and select Tommy Vannelli from Minnetonka HS with their pick in the 2nd Round.
• Over The Boards @OTBPuckWatch14h: 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_Hockey11 Jun: 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