NHL Draft: Rochester native Jacob Trouba picked 9th overall

By Michael Caples –

PITTSBURGH – On June 22, Rochester native Jacob Trouba became the highest drafted Michigan-born player since David Legwand.

Trouba, who has spent the last two seasons with the National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, was selected 9th overall by the Winnipeg Jets during the first round of the 2012 NHL Draft in Pittsburgh.

“Just a little bit of relief that it’s over, now I can get back to a normal life,” Trouba said, when asked how he felt when he heard his name called. “I was a little nervous during some of the other picks and who was being taken, but I’m glad I ended up being a Jet.”

The 6-foot-2-inch, 187-pound defenseman, a University of Michigan commit, stated during his post-draft press conference that he still plans to play for the Wolverines.

“I’ve always been a little bit of a Wolverines fan growing up,” Trouba said. “When I visited there, I just kind of fell in love with the campus, and everyone around it and the rink. It’s a pretty special place, and the education you get there is one of a kind, so I’m just excited to be a part of that, and be a Wolverine.”

Trouba, who played the majority of his youth hockey with Compuware, is the highest Michigan-born player drafted since Detroit’s David Legwand was selected 2nd overall by Nashville in 1998.

The Rochester native said he wouldn’t be where he is today without his experiences from youth hockey in Michigan.

“It was awesome, playing there, it was a great place to play,” Trouba said. “They have great minor hockey, you play the best teams, against the best players growing up, and I don’t think I would be here without Michigan hockey. It’s pretty cool.”

More MiHockey articles on Jacob Trouba:

Michigan natives help lead Team USA to gold at World U18s

Sieloff and Trouba – defensemen, prospects, and friends