Yorkton Terriers winger Brennan Watson has flourished in his rookie season in the Saskatchewan Bantam AA Hockey League, leading his squad in scoring with 19 goals and 29 points in 23 games.
"He has been a guy that we have really relied on to score goals," says Terriers head coach Damon Kustra. "He scored us a lot of key goals when we've needed him to. He gets to the right place at the right time and finishes play."
Watson spent last season with the Kamsack Flyers in a bantam league a level below the SBAAHL. After having a strong season with the Flyers, Watson wanted a new challenge at a higher level.
"I had a good year with the Flyers last year," Watson says. "I wanted to play in the AA league this year because I knew it was a better league."
Although Kustra knew in training camp that Watson had the potential to be an impact player for his squad, he didn't expect him to light the lamp as much as he has.
"At the tryout I seen he had a knack of scoring," he says. "You could tell he had some good instincts. But, to be honest, I didn't think he would have this good of a year. He has been a big player for us."
The 5-foot-9, 144-pounder is also pleasantly surprised with his scoring success.
"I didn't know I'd score this much in my first year," says Watson. "I've had some really good games."
Watson, who turns 15 in March, has really heated up in the latter half of the season, potting 11 goals and 26 points in his last 11 games.
"I think he's now more comfortable with the league and is very confident with the puck," says Kustra. "He has been going hard to the net and it has been paying off."
The Terriers are heavily relying on Watson to continue to find the back of the net down the stretch and in the post-season.
"Brennan is a big part of our team," says Kustra. "He has helped us win a lot of games and we need that to continue. We need him to help us get into the playoffs and make some noise while we are there."
The Kamsack native has set his sights on making the Yorkton Harvest in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League next year in his first season of midget eligibility.
"I'm an AP (affiliated player) with the Harvest right now," says Watson. "I hope I can make the team next year."
