The Lloydminster Bobcats have acquired forward Austin O’Rourke from the Valley Junior Warriors of the Eastern Hockey League. The 18 year-old, 6’4″, 212 lb. left wing had a strong year with the Warriors, registering 9 goals and 14 assists for 23 points in 39 games played.
From Bobcats’ website:
The Lloydminster Bobcats have added another player to the roster in advance of the 2015-16 season.
Head Coach and General Manager Gord Thibodeau has announced the signing of ’97 forward Austin O’Rourke from the Valley Jr. Warriors (Haverhill, MA) of the Eastern Hockey League.
The 6’4, 212 lb. left wing had a strong year as a 17 year old with the Warriors, registering nine goals and 14 assists for 23 points in 39 games played. O’Rourke will be entering his first year in the AJHL after spending the 2013-14 season with the Hudson Crusaders of the Minnesota Junior Hockey League.
“I’m just excited to be coming to Lloydminster, and I’m looking forward to a great year for the organization and myself,” said O’Rourke. “It’s a great opportunity for us as a team this year, and I really can’t wait to get the season rolling.”
Once he arrives in Lloydminster this fall, O’Rourke will be living 3,468 kilometres away from his hometown. The newest Bobcat grew up in the small community of White, Georgia, which has a population of less than 700 people. Despite his upbringing in a non-traditional hockey region, O’Rourke was able to get himself on the Bobcats’ radar.
“Austin impressed us with his physicality and his tenacity on the puck at the Chowder Cup showcase tournament in Boston,” said Thibodeau. “He’s a big body who loves to go to the net, and we think he has the skillset to add a greater offensive dimension to his game. He reminded us a lot of (current Bobcats captain) Taylor Mulder, and we see a very bright future with Austin.”
The signing of O’Rourke is the latest move in a busy offseason for the Bobcats, who are gearing up for the 2016 RBC Cup National Jr. ‘A’ Championship, which will be held from May 14th – 22nd, 2016 in Lloydminster.