« Hockey 2009-10

Brett Watson

School
Massachusetts
Position
Forward
Major
Economics/Finance
G
0
A
4
PTS
4
+/-
+4

Classroom

Watson is a consummate student-athlete as he challenges himself both on and off the ice and in the classroom.  He is a three-time Hockey East Academic All-Conference selection while dressing for 106 hockey games during his career.  He is a member of the Commonwealth College Honors Program at UMass, which features a rigorous academic schedule.  Additionally, Watson has been a Dean’s List student and consistently has one of the top grade point averages on the team.

Character

Watson is another example of All-American character.  He is selfless in his actions with his teammates and those around him.  While there are not dramatic stories to highlight this, it’s that steadiness in the moment of success or despair that makes Watson so unique.  He seems to be able to look at every situation with an outside perspective allowing him to take in the moment, but then understand how to move ahead.  Outside of the hockey rink, Watson has worked closely with the Amherst chapter of Big Brothers/Big Sisters and is currently a Big Brother for a local boy.  He spends several hours each week mentoring and spending time with him.

Community

Along with helping in the volunteer efforts of the UMass hockey team, Watson has played an instrumental role with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program of Amherst.  He has helped several other teammates become Big Brothers as well.  As part of Watson’s work with the program, he is putting together a study to make recommendations to the organization on how they can increase recruitment and retention rates in the area.

Competition

Watson has served twice as team captain and played in more than 100 games for UMass.  He is a three-time recipient of the team’s Jack Canniff Unsung Hero Award.  He is a defensive forward who specializes on penalty kills and is regarded as one of the top players at his position in the country.