COUGARS SIGN 2ND OVERALL DRAFT PICK HARKINS

Press Release

Prince George Cougars General Manager Dallas Thompson is pleased to announce that 1997-born forward Jansen Harkins (North Vancouver, B.C.) has been signed to a Standard Western Hockey League contract. Harkins (5'11", 160 pounds) was selected by the Prince George Cougars second overall in the 2012 WHL Bantam Draft.

“We are happy to add such a quality individual and family to our organization,” said Prince George Cougars General Manager Dallas Thompson. “We are excited to see Jansen in training camp to start his career with the Cougars and the WHL.”

In order to draft Harkins with the second overall pick, the Cougars traded their third overall pick along with a third round selection in 2013 to the Prince Albert Raiders.

Last season Harkins played with the North Shore Winterclub Winterhawks where he tallied 68 goals, and 122 points. Harkins was recently named a co-winner of the 2012 Hockey Now Minor Hockey Player of the Year Award which is handed-out annually to the B.C. minor hockey player who best exemplifies sportsmanship, leadership, hockey ability and school and community participation.

"The best word to describe him is 'complete,'" said Prince George Cougars Assistant General Manager and Director of Player Personnel, Wade Klippenstein on draft day. "We really like his character. He's definitely a franchise guy."

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)