WHL Kamloops Blazers

Blazers Select Matthew Needham 8th Overall

April 29, 2010 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kamloops Blazers News Release


KAMLOOPS, BC - The Kamloops Blazers Vice President / General Manager Craig Bonner is proud to announce the selection of Matthew Needham in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft in Edmonton, AB. Matthew was chosen with the hockey club's first round, 8th overall pick.

Needham is a native of Penticton, BC and had a terrific season scoring 94 goals and adding 159 assists for 253 points in 57 games this season with the Penticton Vees Bantam AAA team. Matthew is a 5'9" and 170lb center that possesses a powerful skating stride and terrific scoring prowess.

"We're excited to add Matthew to our hockey club," says Vice-President and General Manager Craig Bonner. "Matthew is a terrific player who plays with passion and character while also possessing a terrific skill set. We were fortunate and thrilled that Matthew was available when making our first selection. We believe Matthew will be a contributor with the Kamloops Blazers for years to come."

Needham, who is a left shot, was the top scoring player in the 2010 U16 BC Cup held earlier this month in Prince George. The high scoring center finished the tournament with 6 goals and 8 points. Matthew is also the son of former Blazer Mike Needham who played 176 games with the hockey club from 1986-1990 registering 115 goals and 243 points with the Blazers.

Check out the Kamloops Blazers Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from April 29, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central