Tigers first round pick Reid Andresen signing his WHL standard player agreement (Photo courtesy of Medicine Hat Tigers)

By Scott Roblin

Andresen Signs

Tigers first round pick Andresen signs WHL deal

May 4, 2020 | 11:59 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Reid Andresen will be adding plenty of black and orange into his wardrobe after signing his WHL standard player agreement with the Medicine Hat Tigers on Monday.

The 15-year-old defenceman officially inked his deal with the Tigers just under two weeks after being drafted by the club 11^th overall in the 2020 WHL Bantam Draft.

“It’s been really exciting just to sign with such a great organization,” Andresen told CHAT Sports on Monday. “I couldn’t be more happy or thankful. I’ve heard they got a great coach and I’m just super excited.”

Andresen captained the Saskatoon Bantam AA Generals last season and netted 13 goals and 51 points in just 31 games from the blueline.

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Although his Tigers debut is still a ways away, the Saskatoon product has been generating buzz from the Tigers coaching staff regarding his ability to control the puck.

“I’m an offensive defenceman,” said Andresen. “I score some goals, get some assists. I’ve got good vision up the ice, I’m a good skater, and I’m a hard worker too.”

Tigers head coach and general manager Willie Desjardins said in a press release that Andresen is expected to become an anchor of the team’s defence down the road.

“We are excited to sign Reid, our first round pick,” said Desjardins. “He is a young player with exceptional talent that sees the ice well. He is certainly going to be a guy we see being a key part in our future.”

Andresen announced Sunday that he will play midget hockey next season with the Saskatoon AAA Blazers and could join the Tigers full-time at the start of the 2021-22 WHL season.

Over the next year, Andresen said his goal will be getting his 5-foot-7, 125 pound frame up to the junior level.

“Just to get stronger and work on my shot more,” said Andresen. “I guess if I get stronger, my shot is going to be harder and more accurate so I can aim for tips in front of the net.”