Ice Pilots announce signing of Center Greg Watson
Published on August 16, 2006 under ECHL (ECHL)
Pensacola Ice Pilots News Release
PENSACOLA, FL - The Pensacola Ice Pilots announced today that they have agreed to terms with gritty centerman Greg Watson.
Watson, a native of Calgary, Alberta Canada, played in 28 games with the Binghamton Senators of the American Hockey League during the 2005-2006 before being sidelined due to a back injury. Watson collected six goals and six assists for 12 points and added 27 penalty minutes.
"I am excited to get back on the ice," said Watson from his home in Calgary. "I am looking forward to being part of a nice city like Pensacola and a great organization."
"Greg is a great addition to our hockey club," said Ice Pilots Head Coach George Dupont "He fits in nicely to our overall plan of what we want our team to be all about. I look for him to provide leadership and character and to bring a winning attitude to our dressing room."
Watson was originally drafted in the second round 34th overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2001 NHL entry draft. He was then traded to the Ottawa Senators for goaltenders Billy Thompson and Jani Hurme. Watson, a 6-0 foot, 205 pound, centerman turned pro during the 2003-2004 season where he played for Ottawa's affiliate the Binghamton Senators where he posted four goals and seven assists for 11 points in 69 games.
The following season was the NHL Lockout and Watson had to fight for a regular spot in the Binghamton Senators line-up along side Jason Spezza and Antoine Vermette. In 57 games, Watson had three goals and four assists for seven points and 68 penalty minutes.
Watson played his junior hockey with the Prince Albert Raiders and the Brandon Wheatkings of the Western Hockey League. Watson was a member of Team Canada's World Under 18 team, and part of Team Pacific at the World Under 17 Hockey Challenge.
Watson was also named the Most Valuable Player at the 2001 NHL Top Prospects Game. This contest features former NHL Coach Don Cherry and NHL Superstar Bobby Orr as head coaches of the respective teams that feature some of the top young players in the National Hockey League.
Greg Watson is the 19th player signed by the Pensacola Ice Pilots for the 2006-2007 season. The Ice Pilots face off their 2006-2007 regular season up north on Friday, Oct. 20 when they meet the Cincinnati Cyclones. The home opener for the Ice Pilots is set for Friday, October 27 when they host the Texas Wildcatters.
Season Tickets give hockey fans the best seat in the house for all of the 36 Pensacola Ice Pilot games. For further information on full or partial packages as well as great Corporate opportunities, please contact the Ice Pilots Office at (850) 432-PUCK.
ECHL Stories from August 16, 2006
- Ice Pilots announce signing of Center Greg Watson - Pensacola Ice Pilots
- Chiefs to Hold National Anthem Tryouts On Saturday - Johnstown Chiefs
- Titans to face Royals twice in preseason - Trenton Devils
- Haggett comes back to Titans - Trenton Devils
- Falcons Renew Radio Partnership with 1550 Sporting News Radio - Fresno Falcons
- Community Events to Shine Brightly in Stockton - Stockton Thunder
- RoadRunners Sign Rookie Aaron Slattengren - Phoenix RoadRunners
- Inferno Add Two Rookies to Roster - Columbia Inferno
- Royals and Titans Square Off In Perennial Pre-Season Battle - Reading Royals
- Hammerin out the facts - Wheeling Nailers
- Steelheads add three more to lineup - Idaho Steelheads
- UHL top scorer secured by Salmon Kings - Victoria Salmon Kings
- Zarn named Salmon Kings Athletic Therapist - Victoria Salmon Kings
- Businesses enjoy advantages with Chiefs season tickets - Johnstown Chiefs
- Last Chance to Help Coach Troy Mann - Columbia Inferno
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.
