Cougars sign top prospect to Standard Player Agreement

“Obviously some people think there are doubts in their mind that a young kids coming in and playing a big role on a team. I thought it was a big adjustment, but I got use to it throughout the year. Playing in that Midget AAA league in Saskatchewan it is a little different than any other league. It’s a little more physical and obviously older kids and I thought I adjusted to it pretty well,” added Heidt.

Heidt’s numbers also backed up that claim as he registered 17 goals and 20 assists in 44 games with the Saskatoon Contacts.

For the organization, they are thrilled to add a player of Heidt’s magnitude.

“It’s a very exciting day for our organization. Riley is an elite talent that is going to be a big piece for our team for the next several seasons,” said Cougars’ General Manager & Head Coach, Mark Lamb.

When it comes to the rest of the draft, Lamb and the scouting department felt it went extremely well for the club, but the success at the draft happened well before draft day.

“When we won the draft lottery that was the best day for the Prince George Cougars organization as we got to pick Riley. Then after that you have to watch the draft and let everything fall, and then we started picking players that we thought would play good with Riley,” added Lamb.

Heidt was one of three players in Western Canada to apply for exceptional status with the Western Hockey League, but only one was accepted, that being Connor Bedard who was selected first overall by the Regina Pats.

As a result, Cats fans will have to wait a year before they can catch Heidt in the line-up with the club full time in the 2021-2022 season.

by Jeromy Corrigan

Cougars sign top prospect to Standard Player Agreement

What's Trending