The Prince George Cougars looked far and wide geographically to stockpile their supply of graduating bantam players and on Wednesday announced they've signed their top two picks in the 2014 draft.
First-round forward Justin Almeida, a native of Kitimat selected fifth overall in the May 1 draft, and 1999-born defenceman Max Martin of Winnipeg, picked by the Cougars in the second round, 27th overall, have signed standard WHL contracts.
Almeida plans to suit up this season in the B.C. Major Midget League with the Prince George-based Cariboo Cougars, which will allow him to practice with the WHL Cougars.
"We couldn't be happier welcoming Justin and the Almeida family to the Prince George Cougars," said Todd Harkins, the Cougars interim general manager and director of player personnel, in a team release. "He's an exceptional talent with a maturity beyond his years and he understands the northern culture and what it means to be a Cougar."
The five-foot-nine, 130-pound Almeida collected 80 goals and 67 assists for 147 points and 190 penalty minutes in 70 games for the bantam Tier 1 North Shore Winterhawks. The 'Hawks went on to win the provincial and Western Canadian bantam titles. As a 15-year-old, he's eligible to play five games for the Cougars this season.
"To hear my name called on draft day by the Prince George Cougars was amazing," said Almeida. "It's very special to me getting the chance to play up north in front of family and friends."
The five-foot-11, 176-pound Martin is an offensive-minded defenceman who played 32 games last season for the Winnipeg Monarchs.
"Max Martin will provide us with a terrific mix of compete, fearlessness and skill on our back end," said Harkins. "He comes from a terrific family who is familiar with the WHL and we expect him to anchor our blueline for many years to come."
Martin totaled 18 goals and 41 assists for 59 points and continued that production in the post-season with two goals and 15 points in eight playoff games.
"I was instantly excited when I saw my name pop up on that board," said Martin. "I consider myself to be a two-way defenceman who can put the puck in the net, and I have a physical side to my game too."
Almeida and Martin are expected to report to the Cougars' training camp, which starts Aug. 24.
