The North Bay Battalion have signed forward Owen Outwater to a standard player’s agreement, which includes an education package.
The centre was the Troops first-round pick, 11th overall, in the OHL Priority Selection earlier this month.
Outwater, who is from the Ottawa area, scored 34 goals and 32 assists in 37 games with the Oakville Rangers U16 team in the 2019-20 campaign.
“I couldn’t be more excited about where I ended up,” Outwater said during a weekend visit to the Gateway of the North. “North Bay’s a great place to play, and I’m really excited for the future.”
Battalion general manager Adam Dennis noted that Outwater was an outstanding interview in the vetting process.
“Owen is a fine young man from a great family,” said Dennis. “He’s committed to putting in the work required to be an excellent Battalion player, and we’re thrilled to help him in his development.”
Outwater will be one of two first-round picks making his Battalion debut this fall after the 2020-21 season was cancelled because of the pandemic.
Defenceman Ty Nelson was taken first overall last year from the Toronto Jr. Canadiens.
Dennis says they’re expecting 55-60 participants at training camp, which is scheduled to open September 4th, because of the double cohort of newcomers.
A typical camp includes 45 skaters and goaltenders.
The OHL season is slated to begin on October 7th.
“I want to come in and make an impact right away,” says Outwater. “I’m able to play in front of the net pretty well and in the corners.”
I’m extremely honoured to sign my first OHL contract with the North Bay Battalion. I would to thank everyone who helped me get here. Excited for the future! https://t.co/fx67n82WVO
— Owen Outwater (@OutwaterOwen) June 21, 2021
