Brendan Williams, a 2002-born forward from San Juan Capistrano, will be heading north of the border next season to play junior hockey with the BCHL’s Coquitlam Express.

Currently a senior at Avon Old Farms prep school in Connecticut, he won two USA Hockey high school national championships as a freshman and sophomore with Santa Margarita Catholic High School.

Williams also played youth hockey back home for OC Hockey Club, LA Hockey Club and then the Anaheim Jr. Ducks all the way through 16U when the team qualified for nationals.

“Brendan is a highly skilled forward who makes everyone around him better,” said Express GM Tali Campbell. “He moves the puck well and although he is a smaller guy, isn’t afraid of using his body when needed. He comes from two amazing programs that get kids ready for the next level and we are excited to see Brendan in an Express jersey.”

In his last five seasons he has tallied over a point per game, last year tallying 32 points in 27 games in the USHS-Prep League.

“I chose the Coquitlam Express because I appreciate their history and the vision for the future. I felt this was the best team to help me continue my development,” said Williams. “I can’t wait to be a part of the Express and the local community.”

Williams will finish off this season with Avon Old Farms before joining the Express in September for main camp.

Fun facts: Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick went to Avon Old Farms, as did Trevor Zegras, who just played his first game with the Anaheim Ducks. Former Ducks forward Nick Bonino also played for Avon.

(Feb. 25, 2021)