Rookie Justin Williams signs with Brahmas
Published on July 22, 2002 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Fort Worth Brahmas News Release
Fort Worth- The Ft. Worth Brahmas added another weapon to their offensive arsenal for the 2002-2003 season on Monday with the signing of rookie forward Justin Williams.
If his junior career is any indication, Williams should be a solid scoring threat for the Brahmas. Williams played for the last three seasons with the OCN Blizzard of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League, totaling 216 points (85G/131A) in 174 games played.
His best individual season in junior came last year with the Blizzard. In 63 games played, he scored 43 goals and assisted on 54 others. He finished as the third leading scorer on a Blizzard team that won the MJHL championship and advanced all the way to the finals of the prestigious Royal Bank Cup tournament. Williams played a big part in the Blizzard's postseason success, registering 5 goals and 9 assists in 15 playoff games.
For his scoring prowess, Williams was recognized as a two time MJHL All Star (in 2000-2001 and 2001-2002). He also served as the Blizzards team captain during the 2001-2002 season.
Brahmas head coach Todd Lalonde says that Williams should make a big impact on the CHL this season.
"Justin Williams is a dynamic young player who has the offensive skills to really put up some good numbers for us. Not only is he capable of scoring goals, he can also create scoring chances for his teammates. He's been a leader on a winning team for the last three seasons. It wouldn't surprise me at all if he turns out to be one of the top rookies in our league this year," stated Lalonde.
Williams, 6'1", 200, is a native of White Bear, Saskatchewan. Reached at home early Monday morning, Williams said that he is looking forward to beginning his pro career with the Brahmas.
"Needless to say, I'm very excited," he said, "this is a great opportunity for me. Todd Lalonde is a coach that has a reputation for working well with young players. The Brahmas are a solid organization in a great city. Hopefully I'll be able to come in and play well for them."
Williams becomes the eighth player to sign with the Brahmas for the upcoming season. He joins Chad Woollard (LW), Adam Davis (D), Ryan Rivard (LW), Chad Grills (C), Brant Somerville (D), Lee Jacobson (D), and Scott Roche (G) as players that will wear Brahmas colors this year. He is the fourth rookie (along with Rivard, Somerville, and Jacobson) on the Ft. Worth roster.
Lalonde also said on Monday that he expects to sign at least one more player this week.
"I've made a contract offer to a player that was with us last season. Hopefully he'll let me know today on his decision. I look for him to be back with us," he said.
The Brahmas will begin their sixth season, and second in the CHL, in mid October of 2002. Season ticket and advertising packages remain on sale now. For more information, please contact the Brahmas office at (817) 336-4423.
Central Hockey League Stories from July 22, 2002
- Pair of Rookies Added to Ice Squad - Indianapolis Ice
- Rookie Justin Williams signs with Brahmas - 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.
