Canadian Defenceman Watson joins Flames

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The Flames have signed 26 year old Defenceman Jamal Watson who spent the late part of this past season with SPHL Champions, Pensacola Ice Flyers. The native of Calgary, Canada iced the previous 4 terms with USport side Mount Royal University Cougars where he scored 29 goals and 78 points in 109 regular season starts topped off by a nearly point a game run in playoffs with 16 from 17 appearances. During his opening set combining academics with athletics, Watson was named to the Canada West conference All-rookie team.

'I'm extremely excited to have the opportunity to play for Guildford, the opportunity to play pro for an established club in the EIHL is an honour,” said Watson. “My goals are to bring a professional hard working attitude to the arena every single day and strive to improve everyday. I can't wait to win as many games as possible with this group of guys Coach is putting together for the upcoming season. I can't wait to make an impact on the ice and create some success with our hockey club."

Prior to his university career, the 5’11”, 180lb skater spent 4 Western Hockey League seasons with Lethbridge Hurricanes and added a 5th and final campaign split between Seattle Thunderbirds and Swift Current Broncos. His best offensive season was 2014-2015 when he had 26 goals and 54 points in 66 games and was invited to attend camp with NHL’s Montreal Canadiens. In 328 Jr. appearances, Watson recorded 88 goals and 181 points.

“The thing that will stand out with Jamal is that he can really skate,” said Paul Dixon. “He can handle the puck and be a big part of helping us move from our own end to get up ice and start going on the attack.”

“We have tried as much as possible to be a team that can get around the ice, and there is no doubt Jamal can do that. He is also a pretty strong guy and can handle himself around our own net as well as collecting pucks to get us started.”

“I have spoken with him several times, and he sounds like a very balanced guy with a good sense of team and being part of helping us be successful as a group. We are looking forward to getting him here and getting started.”

Photo attached of Jamal Watson with Mount Royal University Cougars. Photo by Adrian Shellard