Bobcats Sign Three from Valley West Hawks Midget AAA Program
One season removed from competing in front of approximately 2000 fans in the Midget AAA Pacific Regional Championship at the Centennial Civic Centre against the Lloydminster Midget AAA Bobcats, Carson Franklin, Reece Klassen, and Jonas Leas of the Valley West Hawks (Langley, BC) have signed with the Jr. A Bobcats for the 2017-18 season.
Franklin (Cloverdale, BC) is a 1999-born forward who is coming off a 2016-17 season in which he scored five goals and six assists for 11 points in 30 games played. The 6’2”, 200 lb forward was a part of the British Columbia Major Midget Hockey League champion Hawks team in 2015-16, when he had four goals and 14 assists for 18 points in 40 games played.
Klassen (Cloverdale, BC) is a 1999-born goaltender who backstopped the Hawks for 17 games in 2016-17. Over the course of the season, Klassen went 7-7-1 and kept a Goals Against Average of 2.83. Prior to joining Valley West in 2015-16, the 6’0”, 153 lb net minder competed with the Delta Hockey Academy Elite 15s.
Leas (Whitehorse, YT) is a 1999-born centre that came to the Hawks last season after competing with the North Shore Winter Club in 2015-16. With Valley West, the 5’7”, 154 lb forward produced 10 goals and four assists for 14 points in an injury-shortened season, appearing in just 28 games on the season.
Bobcats season tickets are now available for 2016-17! Secure your seat today by purchasing online at tickets.lloydminsterbobcats.ca or calling 780-871-0900!
QUOTES:
Carson Franklin: “I am super excited to have signed with the Bobcats. I played in Lloydminster for the Pacific Final last year and the fans were incredible. I am looking forward to getting the opportunity to play in front of such a passionate city. I can’t wait to get the season started and help try to bring a championship to the City of Lloydminster.”
Head Coach Travis Clayton on Carson Franklin: “Carson brings a strong presence to the game in both ends of the ice. His skating ability will be a welcome addition to the Bobcats. We are looking for big things from him during the upcoming season.”
Reece Klassen: “I am both very excited and grateful to play for the Bobcat’s in the 2017-18 season. For a goalie, sometimes the difference maker in a game is the crowd cheering for the team. I have heard nothing but positive things about the Bobcats fans and team support. I am fully aware that in the past the Bobcats have had excellent goaltending so I take up the challenge to filling these big shoes. I look forward to working with such a great coaching staff and organization that upholds a standard of excellence in the AJHL.”
Clayton on Reece Klassen: “We’re looking for Reece to come in and compete for the number one spot in net. He’s won at the Triple A level and we’re excited for him to bring that experience to the Bobcats and have him join the team.”
Jonas Leas: “I’m extremely ecstatic to finally sign with the Lloydminster Bobcats. It definitely wasn’t a tough decision to sign, as I get to play in front of the best fans in the AJHL. Last season was tough watching in the stands, but I’m super excited to prove myself and to chase a championship while playing under great coaches and in such a great community.”
Clayton on Jonas Leas: “He's going to bring lots of character to the team this season. He has exceptional work ethic and that will go far to help the team on the ice. We’re excited to have Jonas be part of the Bobcats.”