Jimmy Watson | |||
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Born |
Smithers, BC, CAN |
August 19, 1952 ||
Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) | ||
Weight | 190 lb (86 kg; 13 st 8 lb) | ||
Position | Defence | ||
Shot | Left | ||
Played for | Philadelphia Flyers | ||
National team | Canada | ||
NHL Draft | 39th overall, 1972 Philadelphia Flyers |
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Playing career | 1972–1982 |
James Charles Watson (born August 19, 1952) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played ten seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Philadelphia Flyers. He was inducted into the Flyers' Hall of Fame February 2016.
Watson was born in Smithers, British Columbia. He played on the same team with his older brother Joe for several seasons while in Philadelphia. Both brothers won the Stanley Cup together in 1974 and 1975.
On June 30, 2015, the Flyers announced that Watson would be inducted into the Flyers Hall of Fame in a pre-game ceremony on February 29, 2016.
Watson currently coaches youth hockey for the Delco Phantoms Midget 18U-AA team. His previous team, the Philadelphia Little Flyers Midget 16U American AAA team won the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 AYHL Championships. He helps progress many young players' skills, and moves many players to junior hockey. He preaches posture to his pupils when they are on and off the ice, which he refers to as "good form", as well as teaching optimistic views to many. Jim also runs the Jim Watson Hockey Academy and Jim Watson Hockey Camp located at Iceworks Arena in Aston, Pennsylvania.
He is the father of two sons who have played professional hockey. Chase Watson has played five seasons of professional hockey mostly in the ECHL. Brett Watson played in two professional games for the Wheeling Nailers.
Watson's son, Chase, played college hockey with the Providence Friars and later played in the minors with the Reading Royals.