Prospect Watch: Minnesota Wild 7th Rounder Louis Nanne Drafted by USHL’s Stampede
By Dakota Case
Louis Nanne (Mandatory Credt: www.mnhockeyhub.com)
Sioux Falls, SD – Phase 2 of the 2013 USHL Entry Draft was held late yesterday and Minnesota Wild 2012 7th round pick Louis Nanne was selected 134th overall in the 9th round by the Sioux Falls Stampede.
Nanne notched 19 goals and 22 assists for 41 points in 45 games with the Penticton Vees of the Junior “A”-level British Columbia Hockey League. If the Vees sound familiar to Wild fans, it’s because 2011 2nd round pick Mario Lucia played a season there before joining the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Lucia’s USHL rights were also held by the Stampede.
In 2011-12, the grandson of former Minnesota North Star Lou Nanne potted 12 goals and eight assists for 20 points in 24 games with Edina High School. Standing at 5’10” and 165-pounds, the younger Nanne is already committed to the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.
While 7th round picks rarely turn into superstars, Minnesota has had some success in drafting quality players in the final round of the draft. Derek Boogaard, Anton Khudobin, Carson McMillan, Erik Haula and Tyler Graovac all turned into either roster regulars, good call-ups or are projected to have promising careers. With another year in Junior, a full collegiate career and a few seasons of minor league hockey under his belt, there’s no telling what the future may bring for Louis Nanne.
Nanne was one of 26 players selected on Tuesday night and has been placed on the team’s protected list. Sioux Falls has proven to be one of the best programs in the USHL and has turned out such notable NHLers as Thomas Vanek, Alex Goligoski, Chad LaRose, T.J. Oshie and Minnesota’s own Nate Prosser. Tryout camp for the Herd will be held May 31-June 3 in Minnesota.
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