Wednesday, January 20, 2010

Blades Sign Levi Bews to WHL Standard Player Agreement

Press Release

The Saskatoon Blades are pleased to announce that forward Levi Bews has been signed to a WHL Standard Player Agreement.

Bews, a 15-year-old from Longview, Alberta, was selected by the Blades in the 2nd round (42nd overall) in the 2009 WHL Bantam Draft.

“After exploring my options and choices, I decided the Blades were the best choice,” said Bews. “I love the speed of the WHL game and am just thrilled to sign with the Blades.”

The 6’1”, 192-pound forward has 9 goals and 10 assists for 19 points in 24 games played with the UFA Bisons of the Alberta Midget Hockey League this season. Last season in 25 games played with the Notre Dame Hounds bantam squad, Bews had 33 goals and 32 assists for 65 points in 25 games played.

A right winger, Bews participated in the 2009 Western Canada U-16 Challenge Cup in Blackfalds, Alberta in late October. He scored the game winning goal in the last minute of the Gold Medal Game as Team Alberta captured first place in the tournament. Bews also participated in the prestigious Mac’s Midget AAA Tournament in Calgary over the holiday season where his team, the UFA Bisons, lost 1-0 in the final. Levi was named the Bison’s Player of the game for his efforts in the championship.

“Levi is a big, strong and talented player we were very fortunate to get when we drafted him in the second round,” said Blades General Manager and Head Coach Lorne Molleken. “Education was a very important factor in the decision for him and his family. Because of the increased focus the Western Hockey League has put on schooling, they made their decision knowing he will be taken care of.”

According to Levi’s mother, Dawna, the WHL’s Education Package played an important part in the decision. “Levi has always been a good student so schooling was going to be important,” said Dawna. “He talked to numerous people to get facts and feedback on what he should do and ultimately, we realized he wasn’t compromising his school and can still play the high level of hockey for his age.”

Levi is now eligible to play up to five games in a Blades’ uniform this season until his midget season is done.

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the informative press release.
High River Hockey Dad