The 6-5 Tufte was drafted first overall by the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League. He played 12 games with that team this fall (five goals, one assist). He’s back at Blaine “to be with my buddies again and play with them one more season,” Tufte said. He recently signed with Minnesota Duluth and is a 2016 NHL draft prospect. He had 29 goals and 34 assists in 30 games for the Bengals last season.


Q: How do you use your height to your advantage playing hockey?

A: It’s a really huge advantage because I can obviously use my reach and just use my body to get in the way of guys.


Q: How is the USHL game different?

A: I’d say it’s a faster game, it’s more physical. There are just bigger, strong[er] and faster guys in that league.


Q: What’s it like to play in the boys’ hockey state tournament?

A: It’s unbelievable. The minute you step on the ice, your first impressions are kind of just like, “Whoa.”


Q: First thoughts when the Force drafted you first overall?

A: I mean, knowing that so many guys hadn’t gotten drafted yet. It was just an awesome feeling to be able to get drafted first overall.


Q: What do you think about the possibility of hearing your name called at the NHL draft?

A: I try to set that aside. … I’d love to get drafted. I can’t imagine the feeling.