Watson added to Flames' blue line

Photo: Adrian Shellard

The Guildford Flames blue line has been strengthed by the arrival of 26-year-old Jamal Watson for season 2021/22.

Defenseman Watson spent the latter part of the past season with the Pensacola Ice Flyers, who won the SPHL. He previously iced for USports side Mount Royal University Cougars where he finished with 79 points in 109 games. 

"I'm extremely excited to have the opportunity to play for Guildford, the opportunity to play pro for an established club in the Elite League is an honour,” said Watson. “My goals are to bring a professional hard-working attitude to the arena every single day and strive to improve every day. I can't wait to win as many games as possible with this group of guys Coach is putting together for the upcoming season. I can't wait to make an impact on the ice and create some success with our hockey club."

Watson joins Jake Bolton as the second new arrival to the Flames' defensive core. 

"The thing that will stand out with Jamal is that he can really skate,” added Head Coach Paul Dixon. "He can handle the puck and be a big part of helping us move from our own end to get up ice and start going on the attack.

"We have tried as much as possible to be a team that can get around the ice, and there is no doubt Jamal can do that. He is also a pretty strong guy and can handle himself around our own net as well as collecting pucks to get us started

"I have spoken with him several times, and he sounds like a very balanced guy with a good sense of team and being part of helping us be successful as a group. We are looking forward to getting him here and getting started."