Ian Watters to remain at Flames

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The Flames leading goal getter, Ian Watters, will return in 2020-2021 for the 2nd year of a 2-year contract. In League and Cup play, the 28-year-old had 50 points and topped the club with 32 goals; the only squad member to reach 30+ strikes. Since joining Spectrum’s men to start the 2017-2018 set, Watters has iced in 188 games while recording 102 goals to go with 85 assists.

“I am looking forward to getting back to it in Guildford next season,” offered Watters.

The 5’11”, 200lb winger joined the side after 5 minor pro seasons in North America; the last 4 with Reading Royals in the East Coast Hockey League. In 223 ECHL starts, including his opening year split with Orlando Solar Bears and Idaho Steelheads, Watters had 27 goals and 95 points to go with 228 penalty minutes. He also added 7 points in 25 playoff outings.

Prior to his jump to the professional ranks, the native of Pickering, Ontario spent 3 full seasons with Brampton Battalion in Canada’s Major Junior Ontario Hockey League where he amassed 45 goals and 97 points in 161 starts. His best season was 2011-2012 when he was nearly a point a game skater over a 42 game stretch that saw him capture 18 goals and 17 assists during the regular schedule and the playoffs, while also taking his team’s player of the year honours.

The former alternate captain for Battalion and Royals led the latter in shots on goal in 2015-2016 and was named his club’s defensive player of the year in the same season.

“When we first signed Ian, we never anticipated he would become the scoring forward he has, but obviously 30 goals a year is a welcome part to anybody’s game,” admitted Paul Dixon.

“Having said that, there is a lot to Ian’s contribution that doesn’t show up on the scoresheet including his overall work ethic on every single shift, and his interest in doing well in all areas of the game in any of the 3 zones, even strength or special teams.”

“He is a high-quality character off the ice, well-liked by his teammates, and everyone knows that when he steps out there, he is going to do everything he can to help make the team better. He was put onto a 2-year contract for that very reason, and we are pleased to bring him back for another year.”