Spitfires get Ann Arbor native Watson

The Windsor Spitfires announced that they have signed their 2008 second-round draft choice (36th overall), left wing Austin Watson.

During the 2007-2008 season with the Detroit Compuware midget minor organization, the 6-foot-3, 180-pound Ann Arbor native recorded 45 goals and 104 assists for 149 points in 75 games played.

Watson was rated as a AA player by the OHL’s Central Scouting heading into the 2008 OHL Priority Selection and was also rated as the second-best overall player by the International Scouting Services.

“The Spitfires are ecstatic to get a commitment from a top prospect like Austin,” said Windsor GM Warren Rychel. "I believe that Austin has a bright future ahead of him both on and off the ice.”

Watson, who currently holds an 86 per cent average, is eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft. He reportedly had verbally committed to the University of Maine for the 2010-2011 season.

Photo courtesy Aaron Bell/OHL