Blue Ridge adds young defenseman with signing of Rookie Esa Patton

Wytheville VA - The Blue Ridge Bobcats have signed Rookie Defenseman Esa Patton to a professional tryout.

One of the younger defensemen for the Bobcats, Patton played in one game last season in the FPHL for the Delaware Thunder earning one goal.

Prior to his time with the Thunder, the 22-year-old Scarborough Ontario native spent his time in juniors with the French River Rapids in the NOJHL (2019-2020), the Uxbridge Bruins in the PJCHL (2020-2021), the Cold Lake Aeros “C’” in the CAHL (2021-2022), and the Bradford Bulls “A” in the GMHL (2022-2023). 

He earned his best season with the Bulls in 39 games with a stat line of 14 goals, 42 assists, and 58 points.

Patton’s potential playing at a higher level is what made Bobcats Head Coach Vojtech Zemlicka decide to sign the young defenseman.

“Esa is a young defenseman with a lot of potential. I am very excited to work with Esa and help him transition to the PRO level, as I believe he’s got a bright future in front of him. Esa played only one game at this level so far and ended up scoring a goal for the Delaware Thunder. He’s a perfect fit to our D-core as we have some experienced players who played at this level or in different PRO leagues so ESA can definitely pick up some experience and confidence from those guys,” Zemlicka said.

You can catch Esa Patton and the rest of the Blue Ridge Bobcats for their home opener and the start of the inaugural season on Friday, October 20th at 7:30 p.m. inside the Apex Center. Don't miss any of the action this season and pick up your season tickets now here.

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