Flint brings in big defender Westgarth

The Flint Generals strengthened their defense corps this week with the signing of rookie Brett Westgarth.

Westgarth spent the end of the 2006-2007 season with the Syracuse Crunch of the American Hockey League and notched an assist and had six penalty minutes in five games.

“We are excited to have a player with the caliber and talent of Brett,” said Generals head coach Kevin Kerr. “He is a big kid who understands the game and can move the puck really well. Brett has a good upside offensively and is solid defensively.”

Prior to attending the Generals training camp, Westgarth will take part in the Detroit Red Wings training camp.

Westgarth spent four years at Princeton University where he played in 114 career games and notched four goals and 20 assists for 24 points and 110 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound right-shooting defender from Amherstburg, Ontario was a member of the ECAC All-Academic Team in 2004, 2006 and 2007. Westgarth was also four-time letterwinner while at Princeton.

Flint now has six players signed for the 2007-2008 season.