Hockey players usually like signing autographs, it shows they've advanced for enough in their careers to achieve a level of fame that draws fan interest.
The autograph Ethan Samson signed this week is one that will likely change his life. The 15-year-old defenceman from North Delta signed a WHL standard player agreement with the Prince George Cougars, the team that drafted him in the third round, 65th overall, in the 2018 bantam draft.
"He's a well-rounded defenceman with a promising offensive component to his game and still defends very well - we're thrilled to have him as a Prince George Cougar," said Bob Simmonds, the Cougars director of scouting.
Samson, who turns 16 on Aug. 23, played this past season for the Delta Hockey Academy Elite 15s in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League and was the team's highest-scoring defenceman with 17 goals and 24 points in 33 games. In four playoff games he picked up two goals an two assists, leading Delta to a semifinal playoff berth.
"We're excited to have Ethan in the fold. He's one of our most improved prospects since training camp," said Cougars interim head coach and general manager Mark Lamb.
The WHL will stage its draft lottery today to determine the draft order for the six non-playoff teams this season. The Cougars, who finished 19th out of 22 teams, have their own first-round pick and that of the last-overall Swift Current Broncos, which will give the Cats a better chance at picking first overall at the draft May 2 in Red Deer.
