The B.C. Intercollegiate Hockey League season isn’t over yet but already the Thompson Rivers University WolfPack have signed their first recruit for 2013-14.
WolfPack general manager Chris Hans and coach Don Schulz are pleased to announce that forward Brandon Watson has agreed to join the team effective September 2013. Watson currently plays in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League with the Osoyoos Coyotes.
During the 2012-13 KIJHL regular season, the 6'1" 185 pound native of Keremeos, B.C. had 23 goals and 22 assists (averaging 1.1 points per game) in 41 contests.
"Brandon is a talented, two-way hockey player with great offensive potential," says Hans. "He comes highly recommended by his coach in Osoyoos, Ken Law. Brandon brings good size and a high compete level to Thompson Rivers. His addition to the roster adds to our secondary scoring depth. I expect Brandon to play a significant role in the ‘Pack’s success in 2013-14."
Watson joined the Coyotes from the BC Hockey League's Quesnel Millionaires in 2009-10 and tallied 15 goals and 13 assists and had 106 penalty minutes with Osoyoos before joining the BCHL Prince George Spruce Kings. He, then returned to Osoyoos and had 13 goals and 16 assists along with 122 penalty minutes.
Says Law: "Brandon was always an intense player who worked extremely hard at everything. Over the last season, he has really matured as an individual in both his hockey and life skills. He works full time in Keremeos and still makes daily practices. He wore an 'A' for us this season but has really been the guy that all the younger players gravitate to as he works hard at being a good role model and teacher to everyone around him."
Watson is a former junior teammate of current WolfPack players Rigby Burgart and Shane Mainprize and will be taking Retail meat processing at Thompson Rivers.
"I hope to contribute as much to the WolfPack as I did in junior," he explains.
"He has uncanny vision and seems to find guys open for good scoring chances," says Law of his graduated player. "He also has an incredible shot and great strength."
WolfPack coach Schulz is looking forward to having Watson in his lineup.
"Anytime you can add a player with the junior experience of Brandon's to your roster it is definitely a positive. He played and has been successful in both Junior A and B so his experience will be a welcome addition to our forward crew. I'm most confident that he is going to fit in like a glove with our returning veterans and new recruits. I’m looking to Brandon to provide significant contributions next season."
The WolfPack plan to announce a number of other signings in the coming weeks.
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