Voodoos sign Battalion draft pick

The Powassan Voodoos have injected some youth into their lineup by signing 16-year-old forward Brett Richardson.

The Callander native was a standout on the U16 North Bay Trappers AAA team last year, notching 17 goals and 12 assists through 27 games. He was selected in the 12th round of the OHL Priority Selection by the North Bay Battalion. 

Richardson is looking forward to beginning his junior hockey career close to home.

“It honestly means everything to me to be playing for the Voodoos this year,” said the 6’1″, 175 lb Richardson.  “With everything going on in the hockey world,  I am very grateful for this opportunity to play at the Junior level to further grow and develop my game. I look forward to contributing my full 200-foot game while creating offence and locking down in the D-zone. I can’t wait to meet all the staff, players and get the season started.

Brent Tomlinson, Voodoos assistant coach and scout for the OHL’s Niagara Ice Dogs sees a bright future for Richardson. 

“Right of the hop, it’s easy to see Richardson has the size and presence on the ice needed to have success at the junior level, but along with being a big body, he also has the ability to move around the ice effectively, he’s a good skater, moves the puck well and has the ability to a real hard player to play against when he keeps feet moving,” stated Tomlinson. 

The Voodoos are still waiting for more direction from the governing bodies of hockey including Hockey Canada, the OHF, the NOHA and the NOJHL as to when the 2020-21 season is set to begin.