University of Minnesota Athletics
Seeler Signs with Minnesota Wild
3/26/2016 12:00:00 AM | Men's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS (GopherSports.com) - Gopher Hockey junior defenseman Nick Seeler has signed an entry-level contract with the Minnesota Wild, foregoing his senior year of eligibility at the University of Minnesota.
A native of Eden Prairie, Minn., Seeler helped the Gophers capture the program's fifth-straight regular-season conference title in 2015-16, notching 10 assists in 36 games (a career high for assists and matching his career for points). An Academic All-Big Ten selection, the defenseman led the Maroon & Gold with a plus-21 rating as well as 91 blocked shots. He was the co-recipient of the team's Dr. V. George Nagobads Unsung Hero Award.
"I am thrilled and grateful for the opportunity to join the Minnesota Wild organization," Seeler said. "I want to thank the entire Gopher Hockey program for giving me the chance to be part of such a great tradition. I have been very fortunate to play hockey in Minnesota in high school and in college and could not be happier about the opportunity to continue my career in my home state."
Seeler concludes his collegiate career with 29 points (six goals, 23 assists) in 106 career games. The junior sat out the 2014-15 season due to NCAA transfer rules after playing two seasons at Nebraska Omaha.
"Nick has a great opportunity to play for his hometown team in the Minnesota Wild, and we are happy for him," Minnesota head coach Don Lucia said. "Nick was a vital part of our team this season as well as last season, and we thank him for his contributions to the Gopher Hockey program."
The Minnesota Wild selected Seeler in the fifth round (131st overall) in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft in St. Paul. A First Team All-State selection for Eden Prairie High School as a senior in 2010-11, Seeler helped win Minnesota Class AA state hockey championships at Xcel Energy Center in 2011 and 2009.
-Pride On Ice-
