Monday, June 17, 2013

Hounds' Acquire Watling from Storm

Press Release

SAULT STE MARIE, ON –Soo Greyhounds General Manager Kyle Dubas announced this afternoon that the club has acquired OA forward PATRICK WATLING from the Guelph Storm, in exchange for Windsor’s 4th Round Selection in 2014.

"Patrick, coming from the Guelph Storm system of Mike Kelly and Scott Walker, understands very clearly the right way to play the game. He plays with speed and tenacity in pursuit of the puck at all times. Patrick is a positive possession player, when he's on the ice his team either has the puck or is working with speed to get it back” began Dubas.

Watling, a Sault Ste. Marie, ON product is set to enter his third full season in the OHL, coming off a career-best season in 2012-13 where he had 12 goals and 13 assists in 53 games played.
Locally, Patrick was a product of both the Bantam (Soo Thunder) and AAA Midget (Soo North Stars) programs.

"Patrick is a very versatile player and can play left wing or centre anywhere in the lineup and have success. Though he is an overage player, he is a late birthdate (born after September 15) who is just entering his 3rd season in the Ontario Hockey League. We feel that Patrick's ability to produce at even strength is a good indicator that he has some more offensive potential.  Patrick is also a tremendous student who will fit in well with our academic program” explained the Hounds GM.

What drew Hounds Management to Watling was his proficiency at even strength, where he recorded 24 of his 25 points. Including all 12 of his goals. Watling recorded 12 goals in just 53 games, which projects out to 16 goals over a 68 game schedule.

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

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