ESTERO, FLA – The Florida Jr. Blades are proud to announce that All-Star defenseman James Hyatt will return to Estero for the 2011-2012 campaign.
Last season, the 19-year-old posted 11 points (3g, 8a) in 26 appearances and was tied for first among blue liners in goals (along with Michael Wilson & Eliot Bock) as well as second in total points.
Hyatt’s season-best performance was on January 16, 2011 when he notched the game-winning goal in overtime to lift the Jr. Blades over the Hampton Roads
Jr. Whalers 3-2.
“James is a defensive stall worth, he posses tenacity and an unrivaled work ethic,” said head coach Tad O’Had. “He leads by example and improved his game by 100% from start to finish. We are pleased to have him back.”
Five-foot-nine, 170-pound Hyatt was named to the 2010-2011 MET South All-Star team, given a MET South defenseman of the week nod and also earned the Athletic Republic Strength & Conditioning award for the month of September.
As a member of the inaugural, MET South 2nd-place roster last season, the Coral Springs, Florida native is returning to Estero hungry for a championship.
“We got a taste of it last year, and for an expansion team to make it to nationals is a great achievement, but just like Tad and Jake say, if you don’t expect to win it all you aren’t expecting enough from yourself,” said Hyatt. “I know all of us returning to the Blades this year have that same mindset.”
