Brahmas make Woollard first signing for 2002-2003 season
Published on June 11, 2002 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Fort Worth Brahmas News Release
Fort Worth â The Ft. Worth Brahmas inked their first player to a contract for the 2002-2003 season early this morning when left wing Chad Woollard signed to come back to Ft. Worth.
Woollard, 6'2", 205, was a standout for the Brahmas during the 2001-2002 season. He played in 53 games, scoring 21 goals and assisting on 27 others. His 21 goals were the fourth most on the team and his 48 points were the third highest on the team. Woollard also played a major role in the physical game for the Brahmas, totaling 188 penalty minutes, second to only the 330 penalty minutes picked up by veteran Jason Clarke.
Woollard had 13 multiple point games, 4 multiple goal games, and 6 multiple assist games last year for Ft. Worth. His best offensive stretch came during the week of November 12-18, 2001, when he had 4 goals and 3 assists in the Brahmas four games played to earn CHL Player of the Week honors.
Another highlight for Woollard last season was his brief call up to the Utah Grizzlies of the American Hockey League. Woollard played in two games for the top farm team of the Dallas Stars, registering five penalty minutes and playing at an even rating.
The 2002-2003 season will be Woollard's third year with the Brahmas. He played in 60 games for the Brahmas during the 2000-2001 season, scoring 18 goals and adding 26 helpers.
Woollard, a 22 year old native of Durham, Ontario, will be entering his fourth professional season. During his rookie season of 1999-2000, Woollard split time with the Jackson Bandits and Greensboro Generals of the East Coast Hockey League. In 32 total games played, Woollard netted 6 goals and assisted on 8 others.
Prior to turning pro, Woollard played four seasons of major junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League. His best year in the OHL came in 1998-1999 with the Owen Sound Platers, when he scored 28 goals and had 29 assists in 50 games played.
Brahmas head coach Todd Lalonde expects Woollard to be a major factor for his team in 2002-2003.
"There's no question that Chad Woollard is one of the top players in the CHL under the age of 25. He has a ton of potential--he's big, physical, and has a great deal of skill. He is a power forward in the mode of a Brendan Shanahan type. He can score and create goals, and he also plays with a high level of intensity. He's steadily improved over the last two seasons and I think he can make this next season a breakout year," Lalonde said.
Lalonde went on to say that Woollard is a player who will draw a lot of attention from AHL and NHL scouts.
"Chad is just now starting to gain some notice for his play from the scouts at the next level. He'll probably get a chance in Utah's training camp this year and I completely expect him to play at least part of the season in the AHL this season. If he produces here in Ft. Worth like he is capable of, I think he will definitely open some doors for himself at the higher levels," stated Lalonde.
Woollard is looking forward to returning to Ft. Worth.
"Obviously I'm really happy. I'm ready to start a new season and build on what we accomplished last year (a first round playoff berth). Todd and I have a good relationship, and I feel that he has the ability to make me a better player. The little taste that I got last year in the AHL has made me hungrier than ever to try and make the jump to the next level. The Brahmas and Todd Lalonde give me the best opportunity to do that," stated Woollard.
In addition to the signing of Woollard, the Brahmas have made contract offers to four players in the last week. Lalonde said on Monday that he expects to sign all four players in the next week to ten days.
The Brahmas will open their sixth season, and second in the CHL, in mid October of 2002. Season ticket packages and corporate sponsorships remain on sale now. For more information, please contract the Brahmas office at (817) 336-4423.
Central Hockey League Stories from June 11, 2002
- Iggys Off-Season Thoughts - San Antonio Iguanas
- Brahmas make Woollard first signing for 2002-2003 season - Fort Worth Brahmas
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.
