IHM Client Willie Daigneault Signs With Ockelbo HC
International Hockey Management is proud to announce that client, Willie Daigneault, has signed with Ockelbo HC, in Sweden’s HockeyTrean. The 5’10, 172-pound winger just completed his first season of pro hockey, finishing the season with the Battle Creek Rumble Bees of the Federal Prospects Hockey League. The May 7, 1998-born right shot is from Gibsons, British Columbia, and will be playing his first season outside of North America.
Daigneault’s rookie season stat line was, 24GP-4G-2A-6PTS-96PIMS. Throughout a five-year junior career, he totaled 197GP-46G-63A-107PTS-626PIMS. His stops included the North Okanagan Knights in the KIJHL, the Comox Valley Glacier Kings and the Oceanside Generals in the VIJHL, and finally, the Long Beach Bombers in the WSHL. The Canadian speedster started his pro career with the Elmira Enforcers, prior to a late-season trade. Then, a wrist injury sidelined him until league play was suspended. Now, Daigneault will lean on his speed and skill, as he looks to adapt his game to the European style of play.
Ockelbo, Sweden is located north of Stockholm, and west of Gävle. Last season, Ockelbo HC finished 4th in HockeyTrean Gävleborg, part of the Gästrikslands Ishockeyförbund. The team will feature a few other North American players, and will provide Daigneault a platform to showcase himself for HockeyTvåan clubs.
Ockelbo HC Sports Director, Tomas Rosèn, commented,
"In Willie, we get a tough, competitive forward, with nose for goals. that also plays physically. We are happy to tie another important piece of puzzle in our team building, and warmly welcome Willie.”
International Hockey Management President, Chris White, added,
“Willie has always thrived in an agitator role and never hesitates to stick up for himself or his teammates. However, what you don’t see when you look at his stats is that he will almost always be the fastest player on the ice, and possesses a good amount of skill. I think after a season filled with minor injuries, this transition will allow for him to extend his career and focus on other aspects of his game. I fully expect Willie to quickly move up the ladder, in Sweden, or in another European country.”
Willie noted,
“I’m very excited for this opportunity and new experience. I had a great time playing in the US, and I expect the same in Sweden. I’m looking forward to meeting the team and staff, and doing my best to help Ockelbo have a strong season. I’m thankful that IHM found this contract for me, and allowed me to focus on my rehab, off-ice training, and Summer job.”
CONGRATULATIONS, willie!
Follow along throughout Willie's season with Ockelbo HC at the following links:
https://idrottonline.se/OckelboHockeyClub-Ishockey/
https://www.facebook.com/Ockelbo-Hockey-Club-669632219735443/
https://www.instagram.com/ockelbohc/
Willie's Player Profile Page:
https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/302468/willie-daigneault
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https://www.facebook.com/intlhockeymgmt