Wednesday, June 5, 2013

COUGARS SIGN ANDERSON AND MCDONALD

Press Release

Prince George, B.C. - Prince George Cougars General Manager Dallas Thompson has announced that the Cougars have signed defenceman Josh Anderson (Duncan, B.C.) and forward Kody McDonald (Lethbridge, AB) to Standard Western Hockey League contracts.

Anderson (6’3”, 190 pounds) was drafted by the Cougars in the first round (third overall) in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.

Anderson recorded 18 goals, 52 points and 80 penalty minutes in 52 games last season with the Cowichan Valley Tier 1 Capitals last season. He was the first defenceman selected in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.

“It feels good to be signed with the Prince George Cougars and I’m happy I made that decision,” said Anderson who will participate in his first WHL training camp in August. “I’m going to go to camp in the best shape I can be in, and make a good impression.”

Last week, Anderson was invited to attend the third annual Allstate All-Canadians Mentorship Camp which is hosted by NHL players under the leadership of 21-year NHL veteran Gary Robert. Anderson becomes the fifth Prince George Cougars representative to be invited to this camp joining the likes of: Jordan Harris (2011), Jansen Harkins, Brad Morrison and Tate Olson (2012).

Anderson adds, “It feels great to be invited to such a great event. I look forward to meeting some current NHLers and getting some tips from them.”

McDonald (5’11, 190 pounds) was selected by the Prince George Cougars in the second round (24th overall) in the 2013 WHL Bantam Draft.

Last season in Bantam, McDonald scored 30 goals and 88 points along with 101 penalty minutes with the Pursuit of Excellence T1 team in Kelowna. He chipped in with one goal and eight points in four playoff games and also suited up for five games in the Alberta Cup where he scored two goals and six points along with eight penalty minutes.

“It’s awesome. I’m really excited about my first training camp,” said Kody McDonald who classifies himself as a power forward type of player. “Now I’ve got to keep on the weights. I hope to impress the coaches and the staff.”

He was the first forward to be selected by the Cougars in the 2013 draft, and is the second player from the Cougars 2013 draft class to sign with the team.

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

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