June 24, 2010

Watson Returns to Missouri

INDEPENDENCE, Missouri - Missouri Mavericks' Head Coach Scott Hillman announced Thursday the Central Hockey League (CHL) club has re-signed four players, including former St. Lawrence forward Simon Watson.

"We made our team much better today by bringing back our core guys," said Mavericks' President and General Manager Brent Thiessen. "I think everyone in the organization and our fans will be excited about the news today. We are certainly excited to bring these guys back."

"The four returning players represent the character of the Mavericks," said Hillman. "They are four guys that you really have to talk about when trying to build chemistry in the locker room. They are all about the team and the community, and they come to work every day willing to accept any role they are asked to take on."

Watson, 30 (4/3/80), enters his second season with the Mavericks and fifth overall in the CHL. The Waterloo, Ontario native had 20-plus goals in each of his first three seasons as a pro including a career-high 24 in his rookie season. He has been among the top five scorers on every team he has played for in his first four pro seasons. The 6-foot-0, 190-pound forward finished with 38 points (10-2838) in 63 games with Missouri last season, and after a slow start, Watson had 18 points (4-1418) in his final 24 games. The Mavericks were 21-6-3 in games that Watson scored at least one point.

"Watson had 17 points with a rating of +4 in the final 22 games of the regular season," added Hillman. "He showed in the playoffs that he can play a strong defensive game and he is determined to have the best season of his career next year."