Reid Watson did it all last year for the Littleton Hawks’ 18U team – finished the 2022-23 season as team captain, was a CSDHL All-Star participant, and popped 42 goals with 42 assists for 84 points.

For this coming season, the Highlands Ranch native will head to junior hockey with the NA3HL’s Oregon Tradesmen, a team in Wisconsin.

“The head coach (Eric Fenton) has a connection with my dad, so it was highly recommended that I would come play here,” said Watson. “It’s very exciting as much as it was awesome playing at home for so many years and especially at Littleton. I cannot wait to get this year started and have new challenges on the ice with the increased level and off the ice with living away from home.”

Growing up, Watson played at LHA from Squirt C all the way to 18U. Last season, he also double-rostered with Mountain Vista High School.

“Highlights were definitely going to nationals the past three years, especially my first time when I was 16,” Watson said. “Just the year we had dealing with COVID and how tight that group was made it very special and a year I will never forget. Jason Gour and Brian TenEyck were the coaches that pushed me the hardest and where I made the most strides forward with development.”

Moving forward, Watson knows his hard work will pay off.

“In the short term, I just want to focus on having a good year where I develop, become a better all-around player, and don’t worry about struggling because I know that this league will challenge and test me more than last year did,” said Watson. “Long term is to see if I can get a NCAA offer for either a Division I or Division III school and be able to play a high level of hockey in college. I’m not worrying too much about that, just taking one day at a time and it will take care of itself if I put the work into it.”

Photo/Julie Ballantine

— Matt Mackinder

(September 14, 2023)