Cliff Watson
Image: WI Prep Hockey

Cliff Watson

Hometown:

Appleton Wisconsin

Currently Playing In:

NCAA

Birthday:

1993-12-21

Position:

D

Eligible for draft:

2012

Shoots:

Left

Drafted:

2012

Height:

6-2

Acquired:

6th round (168th overall), 2012

Weight:

198 lbs.

Probability of Success
  • D

History

2010-11: Watson play for Appleton United High School team in the WIAA of Wisconsin where the defenseman scored 18 goals along with 22 assists and 44 PIMs in 21 games. He was impressive enough for Ohio State recruiter in ask him to sign a commitment to their university at a very young age.

2011-12: Watson played his first season in the USHL with the Sioux City Musketeers where the big defender played the shutdown role and contributed eight assists and a minus 13 rating in 58 games. The Musketeers were swept 2-0 in their first round playoffs series by the Fargo Force.

 

Talent Analysis

Watson plays very physical around his own net and can play the shutdown role. The big blueliner has some offensive upside, solid hockey IQ, good poise with the puck and can make good outlet passes up the ice. The stay-at-home defender needs to work on his skating speed, pivots and better angling while gaining more strength and improving his offensive skills.

 

Future

Watson was committed early to Ohio State University and should have four years of development at the NCAA level to become a solid two-way defenseman.

 

Depth at center and defense strengths of San Jose Sharks system

by Craig Fischer
on
Matt Nieto - Boston University Terriers

Photo: Left wing Matt Nieto leads a shallow group of winger prospects for the San Jose Sharks. (courtesy of Ed Wolfstein/Icon SMI)

 
The San Jose Sharks have long believed in the philosophy of taking things slow, and letting young players develop to earn the opportunity to play with the big club. Unfortunately for the Sharks in the last five years, there have not been many opportunities earned.

Read more»