General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff announced today that with their first selection in the 2012 National Hockey League Entry Draft, the Winnipeg Jets are proud to select defenceman Jacob Trouba.

Trouba, 18, played in 52 games with the U.S. National Development Team of the USHL last season. In that time he recorded 31 points (9G, 22A) along with 65 penalty minutes.

Trouba proved to be a powerhouse on the blueline in both the Under-18 World Junior Championship and the World Juniors. Trouba and Team USA captured their second straight Gold Medal in the Under-18 tournament with a commanding 7-0 win over Sweden. The Rochester, Michigan native recorded a goal, three points and a plus-five rating in six games. Trouba was also the youngest player named to Team USA’s 2012 World Junior squad. The year prior, Trouba was named Captain of the U-17 team who played their tournament in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

The right-handed defenceman has committed to play the 2012-13 season for the University of Michigan.