New York natives Sonny Milano (Massapequa) and Alex Tuch (Baldwinsville) were selected 16th and 18th by the Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild respectively at the 2014 NHL Entry Draft held in Philadelphia.
The linemates from the U.S. National Development Team are both committed to play for Boston College this fall.
Milano scored 29 goals and 86 points over 58 games with the U-18 team in Ann Arbor this past season. The 6’0”, 185 lb. center left home at 15 years old to play midget hockey in Cleveland before his two years with the USNTDP.
“This is surreal,” said Milano in the media room after his selection. “I worked my whole life for this and to finally get it is unbelievable.
“I was a big (NY) Islander fan growing up—I had season tickets. When I was growing up, I sort of modeled my game after Patrick Kane a little bit.
Milano originally committed to play for Notre Dame, but changed to BC.
“Seeing players like Johnny Gaudreau and guys like that and playing for national championship every year. I’ve dreamed of going there my whole life—it’s kind of the local team among the top teams.”
Tuch (pronounced ‘tuck’) played Junior B hockey for the Syracuse Stars when he led the Empire League in scoring as a 15 year old. Then he too joined the National Development Program where he scored 26 points in 56 games before exploding this past season with 13 goals and 19 assists in 26 games for the U-18 team.
“This feels really good and it’s a dream come true; it’s a good experience and I’m having fun with it,” said the just turned 17 year old (May 10).
“I’m a big strong power forward, versatile, heavy shot and use my body to play all three ends of the ice.
“I just going to take it step by step and I’m really excited to go to Boston College next year and we’ll see where it takes me.”
Warren Kozireski
