Thursday, May 23, 2013

McCool Commits to IceDogs

Press Release

Niagara IceDogs head coach and general manager Marty Williamson announced today that the IceDogs have signed 2013 OHL Priority Selection Hayden McCool.

McCool was selected by the IceDogs in the first round, sixth overall, from the Whitby Wildcats back on April 6th.

The Whitby native is a 6'2", 183 lbs. centre who put up 21 goals and 13 assists for 34 points in 33 games this past season.  He is described a player who "has all the potential to be a dominant player in our league.  He has size, skill and skates well...Hayden is a huge centre that gets up and down the ice very well and has the ability and quickness to beat defenders off the rush."

Williamson is thrilled to have McCool signed.

"I couldn't be happier to have Hayden signed" said Williamson.  "We were excited to have the opportunity to take him back on draft day and now having him signed is the next step in the process.  He is a big part of our future and we look forward to seeing him in an IceDogs uniform for years to come."

As excited as Williamson is about the signing, McCool seems even happier.

"It’s great. It's a dream come true." said McCool. "Everything sinks in and becomes a little more realistic each day.  I can’t believe it’s happened.  I was ecstatic to be drafted by the IceDogs on draft day and now to sign is equally exciting.  It’s a great organization and not too far from home so I just can’t wait to get started."

McCool will now join all the other draft picks for a rookie orientation day on June 8th where the players will come to St. Catharines for a tour of some key IceDogs facilities and a BBQ.  McCool then plans to have a summer of workouts where he will prepare to finally hit the ice for the IceDogs in training camp come late August.

The entire IceDogs organization would like to congratulate Hayden on his signing and welcome him to the team.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

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