Head Coach and GM Travis Clayton has announced that this year’s Cats team will be lead by returning player Connor Odelein.
“Just from day one since he has come into camp and even before camp I could tell he was just a natural leader, he doesn’t go out of his way to be a leader, it’s something that’s in him he just has it. Guys look up to him and he is going to be a big part of this rebuild,” said Clayton
Odelein is going into his second season in the AJHL and will be only the fourth team captain since 2010. Last season, the Quill Lake, Saskatchewan native appeared in 48 games, registering 6 goals and 7 assists for 13 points and 56 penalty minutes. Last year he played on a line with former Captain, Taylor Mulder.
“I was very honoured. I wasn’t sure if I was going to be a guy he (Travis) relied on. I knew he needed me to be in a leadership role, but not quite captaincy, so I am very humbled and very honoured,” said Odelein.
Clayton also announced Monday that the team has signed ('00) defenceman and Lloydminster native Daniel Hilsendager.
“He is a strong powerful defenceman who skates well and understands the game at a high level,” said Clayton.
Hilsendager spent most of last season playing for the Lloydminster Rage. In 31 games, he scored 10 goals and added 20 helpers for 30 points as a blue-liner. At 5'11'', 175 pounds, Hilsendager has already been through a Western Hockey League camp with the Victoria Royals, and says he is looking forward to playing for the Jr. 'A' Bobcats.
“Oh yes, it’s unreal, it’s a great experience and great to be playing for your home town, the city has great fans and everyone is just so good to the team.” said Hilsendager.
The Bobcats also acquired defenceman Kyle Dronyk to complete the trade that saw Nick Quillan and Pierce Diamond sent to Whitecourt in exchange for Cory Santoro, Jamieson Ree and Josh Dechaine.
Dronyk played for the CAC Edmonton Canadians last season, scoring 3 goals and 7 assists for 10 points.