T-Birds Sign Colin Jacobs
November 13, 2008 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Seattle Thunderbirds News Release
Kent, November 13, 2008 - Seattle Thunderbirds general manager Russ Farwell today announced the team has signed Colin Jacobs to a WHL Contract.
Jacobs, a 6'2, 190-pound power forward from Coppell, Texas, was a fourth round selection, 67th overall, by the T-Birds in the 2008 WHL Bantam Draft. He currently plays for the Dallas Stars U-16 Midget AAA team.
"Colin is one of the top 1993 born players in the United States and his commitment is a major addition for the Thunderbirds future," said T-Birds Director of Player Personnel Colin Alexander. "There is no doubt he would have gone very high in last year's WHL Bantam Draft. But sometimes recruiting American born players is not always assured, so we were fortunate to be able to select him in the fourth round." "Colin is a very focused and driven player and he joins the Thunderbirds with a very clear set of goals and expectations towards his career. We are excited to have him commit to the Thunderbirds and join us for next season," said Farwell.
"I am extremely happy and very overwhelmed to sign with the T-Birds," said Jacobs from his home in Coppell. "It's an honor to say that I am a Seattle Thunderbird. It was a very long decision. We looked at all our options, including touring the US National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan. I went to WHL games, watched games on the Internet and talked to current players in the league and I felt that major-junior was the right route for me."
Murray Kuntz, from CAA Sports is Jacobs agent. Kuntz had this to say about his client's signing with the T- Birds: "Colin is a highly sought after prospect. We took the time to look at every option. Colin and his family felt that with the team's history of developing players and their coaching staff, Seattle was a perfect fit. Seattle handled things very professionally. They gave Colin the necessary time to make the decision and everything worked out for the best in the end."
"I think more and more top end American players are realizing that major junior hockey provides them the best route to continue their development at the highest level through their junior years. It's more than just the exposure they receive by NHL scouts. Players in the WHL play with and against the top juniors in North America in an environment that helps them learn and develop a pro style game, which will help them transition into pro hockey more seamlessly," continued Alexander.
The Dallas Stars (NHL) website did an extensive story on Jacobs in December of 2007 that can be found by going to this web address:
ht tp://stars.nhl.com/team/app? articleid=347510&page=NewsPage&service=page
Jacobs will join the T-Birds before the New Year to practice with the team and could see game action before the holiday break.
With the signing of Jacobs, the Thunderbirds add an additional top prospect from the 2008 Bantam Draft. Already signed by the T-Birds are Connor Sanvido (first round), Tanner Muth (second round) and Zack Walker (fifth round).
"I think having Sanvido, Muth, Jacobs and Walker signed is a very good start. We will definitely have other 1993 born players in the mix as well," said Alexander.
The T-Birds are currently in the midst of a seven-game road trip through the Eastern Division. They will take on the Regina Pats on Friday, November 14, at 5 p.m. and the Brandon Wheat Kings on Saturday, November 15, at 5:30 p.m. They finish out the road trip against the Moose Jaw Warriors on Tuesday, November 18, at 5 p.m. and against the Swift Current Broncos on Wednesday, November 19, at 5:30 p.m.
T-Birds season tickets are currently on sale. Season tickets can be purchased by calling the T-Birds office at 253-239-7825. Purchasing a season ticket will ensure fans can attend the T-Birds first game in their new home, the Kent Events Center.
Western Hockey League Stories from November 13, 2008
- Hawks Make Roster Moves - Portland Winterhawks
- WHL this Week - Radio Edition: Featuring Dale Derkatch, Tyson Sexsmith, Brandon Kozun, C.J. Stretch - WHL
- Steven DaSilva Named Canada West - Husky WHL Graduate of the Month - Lethbridge Hurricanes
- T-Birds Sign Colin Jacobs - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Steven DaSilva named Canada West â Husky WHL Graduate of the Month - WHL
- WHL Announces Honourary Captain for 2008 ADT Canada Russia Challenge - WHL
- Magnus Named to Team West for World Under 17 Challenge - Swift Current Broncos
- Wheat Kings, Blue Cross To Honour Lumbard - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Sexsmith makes 36 saves in 3-1 win - Vancouver Giants
- Spokane Defeats Lethbridge 5-2 - Spokane Chiefs
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