Tipped Off
01-25-2008, 07:01 PM
From www.winterhawks.com
Winter Hawks Secure Reddin's Release from USA Hockey
Friday, January 25, 2008 - Kelley Robinett
In a deal finalized Thursday evening, the Portland Winter Hawks have won their 14-day battle with USA Hockey and secured a release for 17-year old Forward, Colin Reddin.
The Winter Hawks, the Western Hockey League, the Canadian Hockey League, Hockey Canada and USA Hockey were able to strike a deal that resulted in the Winter Hawks paying USA Hockey a significant release fee. While the exact amount will not be released, team President, Jack Donovan called it "unprecedented."
"We pay substantial release fees for our European players and Colin's release is more than double," said Donovan. "It was a high price to pay.”
“This is what needed to be done for Colin, for our team, for our coach and our fans,” said Winter Hawks Majority Owner, Jim Goldsmith. “We are willing to do what it takes to add high-end players to our team."
Reddin joined the team on Friday, January 11, 2008 but, has not been allowed to play since arriving in Portland. He is currently traveling with the Winter Hawks and will take the ice tonight in Calgary.
Reddin was the third round selection (51st overall) of the Winter Hawks in the 2005 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft. He showed promise at the 2005 Training Camp and, at that time, signed a Western Hockey League contract to play for the Winter Hawks.
Reddin was later recruited by USA Hockey to join their National Team Development Program and he and his family chose to pursue that route. The Winter Hawks decided to not to enforce their contract with Reddin or demand a release fee from USA Hockey.
"The Winter Hawks wanted Colin and his family to be able to choose what they felt was best for his hockey career," said Donovan. "The coaching staff wished him the best and told him they hoped to see him in a Winter Hawks jersey in the future."
By December of 2007, Reddin had become unhappy in his role with USA Hockey and decided to pursue his Western Hockey League options with the Winter Hawks.
Notes: The Winter Hawks face the Calgary Hitmen tonight in Calgary, AB at 6:00 P.M. Pacific Time in game two of a four game road swing. In addition to Colin Reddin, tonight's game will feature Hawks 15-year old prospects Brad Ross and Daniel Johnston. Ross was the number five overall pick in the 2007 Bantam Draft and has appeared in one prior Winter Hawks game. Johnston, a fifth round selection in 2007, will be making his Western Hockey League debut. 15-year olds are allowed to play up to three games for their WHL teams while maintaining eligibility with their minor teams.
Winter Hawks Secure Reddin's Release from USA Hockey
Friday, January 25, 2008 - Kelley Robinett
In a deal finalized Thursday evening, the Portland Winter Hawks have won their 14-day battle with USA Hockey and secured a release for 17-year old Forward, Colin Reddin.
The Winter Hawks, the Western Hockey League, the Canadian Hockey League, Hockey Canada and USA Hockey were able to strike a deal that resulted in the Winter Hawks paying USA Hockey a significant release fee. While the exact amount will not be released, team President, Jack Donovan called it "unprecedented."
"We pay substantial release fees for our European players and Colin's release is more than double," said Donovan. "It was a high price to pay.”
“This is what needed to be done for Colin, for our team, for our coach and our fans,” said Winter Hawks Majority Owner, Jim Goldsmith. “We are willing to do what it takes to add high-end players to our team."
Reddin joined the team on Friday, January 11, 2008 but, has not been allowed to play since arriving in Portland. He is currently traveling with the Winter Hawks and will take the ice tonight in Calgary.
Reddin was the third round selection (51st overall) of the Winter Hawks in the 2005 Western Hockey League Bantam Draft. He showed promise at the 2005 Training Camp and, at that time, signed a Western Hockey League contract to play for the Winter Hawks.
Reddin was later recruited by USA Hockey to join their National Team Development Program and he and his family chose to pursue that route. The Winter Hawks decided to not to enforce their contract with Reddin or demand a release fee from USA Hockey.
"The Winter Hawks wanted Colin and his family to be able to choose what they felt was best for his hockey career," said Donovan. "The coaching staff wished him the best and told him they hoped to see him in a Winter Hawks jersey in the future."
By December of 2007, Reddin had become unhappy in his role with USA Hockey and decided to pursue his Western Hockey League options with the Winter Hawks.
Notes: The Winter Hawks face the Calgary Hitmen tonight in Calgary, AB at 6:00 P.M. Pacific Time in game two of a four game road swing. In addition to Colin Reddin, tonight's game will feature Hawks 15-year old prospects Brad Ross and Daniel Johnston. Ross was the number five overall pick in the 2007 Bantam Draft and has appeared in one prior Winter Hawks game. Johnston, a fifth round selection in 2007, will be making his Western Hockey League debut. 15-year olds are allowed to play up to three games for their WHL teams while maintaining eligibility with their minor teams.