Brian Williams signing

As expected, Brian Williams signed with the Americans today:

Photos courtesy Tri-City Americans

KENNEWICK, WA – Tri-City Americans Governor/General Manager Bob Tory announced today at a press conference that the team has signed 2010 8th round (137th overall) bantam draft pick Brian Williams to a standard WHL Players Contract.

Williams, a native of Claremont, California, was the first native-Californian drafted by Tri-City in the Bantam Draft since Jason Beeman (2nd Rd, 2001) and was projected as a top-5 pick prior to the 2010 Draft but fell after he expressed interest in pursuing an NCAA scholarship.

Last season, the 5’9, 160 pound center played in 34 games in the Elite League for the LA Selects Midget U16 club, where he recorded 15 goals and 34 points. Additionally, along with teammate and current Americans’ signee, Eric Comrie, Williams led the LA Selects to a semi-final berth in the 2011 National Championship Midget U16 Tournament in Simsbury, Connecticut, before falling to silver medalist Shattuck St. Mary’s. Additionally, Williams attended the U.S. Select 15 Festival this year and the U.S. Select 14 Festival in 2009-10.

“We are extremely excited that Brian and his family have chosen our club, and the WHL, to pursue his hockey aspirations over the NCAA route,” explained Tory. “Brian is a skilled, fast forward who will only add to the depth of our hockey club.

“Brian will join our team for the remainder of the WHL Playoffs,” Tory continued.