Plymouth Whalers fans appreciate the talent and grit of Tom Wilson.  As the 2012 National Hockey League Entry Draft draws near, Wilson - rated 15th overall by NHL Central Scouting - is making a positive impression with scouts and media.

Here are the latest stories concerning Wilson:

Pete Jensen of NHL.com, in a story titled, "Wilson Thrives Within Hard-Nosed Plymouth System":

When Thomas Wilson was drafted by the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League in May 2010, the Toronto native had a feeling he was in the right place at the right time.

But after Whalers leading scorer Tyler Seguin was taken with the second pick of the 2010 NHL Draft just over a month later, Wilson realized how this opportunity could shape his future.

"It was perfect for me to be drafted [by Plymouth] because it's the kind of game I play and there's no doubt that Plymouth turns out pros," Wilson told NHL.com. "[Watching Seguin make the NHL jump] helped me put my faith into this organization. There's always that saying, 'Whaler Hockey is hard-nosed,' and that's what they go by: Forechecking hard, backchecking hard, hitting everything and just playing hard-nosed hockey."

Two years later, the 6-foot-4, 203-pound Wilson has reaped the benefits of the Whalers' system and is on the verge of fulfilling his dream of being drafted into the NHL. The power forward is No. 15 in Central Scouting's final ranking of North American skaters for the 2012 NHL Draft.

"I'd be blown away if [Wilson] didn't go in the first round," NHL Central Scouting's Chris Edwards told NHL.com. "This guy, to me, is going to be a real solid pro hockey player. When you get a big body like that winning puck battles and setting up plays, he gets a guy like [teammate and New York Rangers' 2011 first-round pick J.T.] Miller a lot of extra space. He makes that line go."

See the rest of the story.

Next up, Russ Cohen of Sportsology.com profiles Wilson in the story, "Size Matters, Featuring Tom Wilson":

At 6-foot-4 this big winger suits up for the Plymouth Whalers and has a physical side to his game that might set him apart from many of the other prospects in the 2012 NHL Draft. It might even make him a first-round pick.

In his second year he had moderate offensive numbers but when the playoffs hit he turned it on averaging a point-per-game with almost as many goals (7) as he had in the regular season (9).

“It gave me a little chance to re-focus after the season. That’s what I did. Unfortunately we had some injuries and I was able to step in big situations and help the team offensively,” said the 205 pound forward. “Obviously it was tough losing that last game.”

Before the NHL Combine Wilson was already focused on getting bigger and stronger for next season.

See the rest of the story.