WENATCHEE — The Wenatchee Wild’s 2012 NAHL Draft was short and sweet on Thursday, with defenseman David Mead representing their sole pick.

Mead, 20, comes from the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League, and previously played for new Wild coach Bliss Littler in two seasons with the USHL’s Omaha Lancers.

The 6-foot-1, 217-pound Mead will bring a physical presence to Wenatchee.

“Well, he’s not scared,” Littler said of Mead. “He’s a team guy. He’s all about team, sacrifice, and he can defend. I’d say that he’s a tough kid that defends well that plays for the name on the front.”

Mead is more known for his toughness than his scoring prowess — in 55 games in the USHL (including postseason), he registered 93 penalty minutes but just three points (two assists, one goal).

“David is a big strong powerful defenseman that will bring a wealth (of) experience to the back end,” said Wild assistant coach Chris Clark on the team’s Facebook page.

Carruth signs with Blackhawks

Former Wild goalie and current Portland Winterhawk Mac Carruth has inked a three-year entry level contract with the NHL’s Chicago Blackhawks.

Carruth, 20, will have the option of playing for the Rockford IceHogs, Chicago’s American Hockey League affiliate, or return to Portland for his final season of junior eligibility in 2012-13.

In 26 games with the Wild in 2008-09, Carruth was 18-7-1 with a 3.04 goals-against average and 90.4 save percentage.