Three Whalers drafted in Pittsburgh

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) and then 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. Happpiest day of my life."

MiHockeyNow has more.

LIST: Whalers selected in the National Hockey League Entry Draft, dating back to 1990.

Wilson photo courtesy MiHockeyNow