Winter Hawks Sign First Round Draft Pick

Ross is only eligible to play five games in the Western Hockey League as a 15-year-old until his season with his minor hockey team ends.

Salem-News.com SPORTS

PORTLAND, Ore. - The Portland Winter Hawks have signed first round WHL Bantam Draft pick, 15-year-old forward Bradley Ross, to a Western Hockey League contract.

Ross, the fifth overall choice in last month’s draft, met with Hawks’ GM Ken Hodge and Coach Mike Williamson in his hometown of Lethbridge, Alberta.

Hodge and Williamson are on their way to the annual Prospects Camp in Calgary.

“I saw Bradley play a number of times this past season,” Hodge said. “Each time, he impressed me. He is a very complete hockey player and we are extremely excited to have him sign with us. Brad is anxious to join the Winter Hawks’ program and he is looking forward to competing against his older brother, Nick.”

Bradley’s brother, Nick, is a defenseman for the Eastern Division Regina Pats, who will be coming to play the Hawks in Portland at some point this season. Nick is one of the top prospects from the WHL eligible for the NHL draft to be held later this month.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know Brad more, and see him on the ice,” said Williamson. “I’ve heard many great things about his skill level and his competitiveness. Those are qualities that any coach would be excited about.”

“We had a great meeting with Brad, his mother Elaine, and his father Rory. All of us are very comfortable with the idea of Brad wearing a Winter Hawks’ jersey and becoming an impact player for our organization.”

Ross will most likely spend the 2007-08 season playing AAA midget hockey in the Alberta Major Midget Hockey League.

He is only eligible to play five games in the Western Hockey League as a 15-year-old until his season with his minor hockey team ends.

Ross will be eligible to play for the Hawks full time in 2008-09

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