Prince George, B.C. – Prince George Cougars General Manager Todd Harkins announced today that the club has signed 2001-born defenceman Jack Michell (Saskatoon, SK) to a Standard WHL Player Agreement.

Michell (03/07/2001) was drafted by the Cougars in the third round (53^rdoverall) in the 2016 WHL Bantam Draft which took place on May 5^th in Calgary, AB. He stands 6’1”, weighs 170 pounds and is coming off a season where he posted six goals, 12 assists and 60 penalty minutes in 30 games played with the Saskatoon Stallions (Sask. Bantam AA). In three playoff games, Michell scored three goals and added 16 penalty minutes. He also played seven games with the Saskatoon Contacts as an under-ager where he registered 12 penalty minutes.

Michell was the first defenceman selected by the Cougars in Round 3 since Shane Collins (62^nd overall in 2012). Other recent third round selections include: Tyler Ho (66^th overall in 2015), Ethan O’Rourke (53^rd overall in 2014) and Kolby Johnson (52^nd overall in 2013).

“It was a huge honour to get drafted (and eventually signed) by the Prince George Cougars,” said Jack Michell who considers himself a reliable, two-way defenceman. “I can move the puck very well, I make a strong first pass, I can play physical and I am going to make sure I come to my first Training Camp in the best shape possible.”

“Heading into the 2016 draft we set out to add some top-end defensive talent in the early rounds, and getting Jack Michell in Round 3 was a steal for us,” said Cougars General Manager, Todd Harkins. “Jack has major upside in all areas of his game, and we’re very excited to have him signed and a part of our organization.”

Next season, Michell will suit up for the Saskatoon Contacts (SMAAAHL) alongside fellow Cougars draftee Cole Beamin who also signed with the team earlier this week. Michell will attend his first WHL Training Camp in August in Prince George and is eligible to play in up to five games for Prince George as an under-ager this season until his Midget season ends.