There's a new netminder in the clutches of the Prince George Cougars.
The Cougars announced Friday they've signed 16-year-old goalie Tavin Grant to a standard WHL contract. The six-foot-one, 175-pound native of Burnaby played last season for the Vancouver Northwest Giants major midget team. In 21 BCMMHL games he backstopped the Giants to a 15-2-2 record and compiled a league-leading 2.04 goals-against average. Grant also went 3-2 in the playoffs.
"It was nice to finally sign with the Prince George Cougars," said Grant, in a team release. "I'm excited to get to work and help this team win games over the next few seasons."
Grant is one of four goaltenders still with the Cats as they prepare to face the Red Deer Rebels in preseason action today at 10:30 a.m., in St. Albert, Alta.
"Tavin's passion for the game and his compete level were extremely evident during training camp. He's an athletic goaltender that finds ways to stop the puck," said Prince George Cougars general manager Todd Harkins. "He demonstrated last season that he's an elite goaltender, leading the Northwest Giants in the Major Midget League as a 15-year-old goaltender in a very competitive league."
"Tavin comes from a minor hockey program (Burnaby Minor) where he faced many shots and his development continues to accelerate as he grows as a person and a player. With Tavin under contract we expect him to challenge for a roster spot throughout the preseason."
The Cougars still have veteran goalies Ty Edmonds and Adam Beukeboom, as well as rookie Matt Kustra.
The Cougars also face the Medicine Hat Tigers in exhibition play Sunday morning.
