Plymouth Whalers acquire forward Andy Bathgate from Belleville Bulls –OHL Update
Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) acquired cool forward, Andy Bathgate on Thursday, August 4, in a deal with fellow league club, Belleville Bulls, who received third-round picks in the 2013 and 2013 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection,
which is like the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Entry Draft.
Andy Bathgate, a 20-year-old centre player from Brampton, Ontario, Canada, was selected as the 151st overall pick during round-five of the 2009 NHL Entry Draft, has not played in the major league yet and still remains unsigned which obviously
makes his chances of remaining in the OHL much greater.
Nevertheless, Bathgate is excited about joining the Whalers for his next minor league season.
"I've heard tons of good things about Plymouth from guys I know", Bathgate said in a telephone interview. "I've got a bunch of friends who have played there - Tyler Seguin, Scott Wedgewood had nothing but good things to say. I'm incredibly excited to come
to Plymouth".
Bathgate was selected by Belleville during the third-round of the 2007 OHL Priority Selection as the 54th overall pick. He continued to play with them up until now, which has been three consecutive seasons.
Having played only five games during his first season and picking up a single assist, Bathgate has gained much and had gradually improved himself since his first OHL games, to the point that during the 2009-2010 season, he potted 40 points (13 goals, 27
assists) in 59 games played.
Last year was Bathgate’s best season in which he scored 60 points (25 goals, 35 assists) in 64 games, and it looks like the 2011-2012 season in Plymouth will be for impressing the major league team’s into signing him.
Plymouth Whalers president, general manager and head coach, Mike Vellucci definitely realises Bathgate’s potential and plans on using it fully to benefit his historical team.
"Bathgate adds to the depth of our team", said Vellucci. "He was Belleville's leading scorer last year. He can play in all situations and will help in all areas".
On his quest for NHL fame and glory, Andy Bathgate’s struggle and hard work continues, next season with Plymouth Whalers.
Tags: