The Canmore Eagles are pleased to announce that defenceman Mackenzie Watson has committed to play for the University of Saint Thomas in the fall of 2015. The University of Saint Thomas is located in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Watson, a 20-year-old Calgary, AB. native came to the Canmore Eagles from the Camrose Kodiaks in early December last winter and played 19 games in an Eagle uniform. Watson also played for the Fort McMurray Oil Barons and Calgary Canucks in his AJHL career registering 14 points in his 89 AJHL games.
Although Watson still had one more year of Junior A eligibility remaining, the offer from the University of Saint Thomas was too good to pass up.
“It has always been my goal to play NCAA hockey, so when they came calling, I jumped on it,” said the likable Watson, who has enrolled in International Business studies. “I went down to St. Paul about a month ago and toured the campus and really liked what I saw. The hockey program is very strong as they went 16-6-4 last season and the business program is exceptional. I am obviously very excited to get this opportunity.
“I would certainly like to thank everyone from the Oil Barons, Canucks, Kodiaks and Eagles for all their help and support over the past two years. I met a lot of great teammates and coaches along the way and they all played significant roles in helping me obtain my goals.”
“We are very happy for Mac and his family,” said Eagle’s Head Coach and General Manager Andrew Milne. “Even though he had one more year of eligibility remaining, it was the right fit for him and a great opportunity to continue his athletics and academics. We wish him all the best.”
