One of the top ‘03-born commitments in the nation has decommitted from Michigan and will play at Notre Dame next season. Finlay Williams has signed an NLI to play for the Irish.
Williams, who played for the Penticton Vees in the BCHL, was ranked the No. 2 prospect in the BCHL by Neutral Zone and was ranked No. 22 in the 2002 national rankings (encompassing all leagues). A flashy forward from North Vancouver, he has 37 points (12g, 25a) in 25 games for the Vees this season.
“Williams is a dangerous threat on the PP,” said scouts. “He plays the half-wall position and loves to hammer one timer’s on net. He does by positioning himself in open space, hips open and hands ready to receive a pass or a quick shot. He is dangerous in the offensive zone as he seems to find space below the circles and can get quick shots on net.
“His 1st goal was a great display of his offensive awareness and ability to score. He received a cross-seam pass, pump faked a defender, held onto the puck long enough and ripped a bullet top shelf past a screened goaltender. Williams and his linemates continually created offense for the Vees and were dangerous in the offensive zone every time they were on the ice.”
Williams has been a captain for Penticton for the last two seasons.
The timing of Williams’ decommitment is interesting with Mel Pearson’s contract set to expire in just nine days (April 30). Until the school announces what’s in the future for Pearson, there will continue to be a cloud of unknowns hanging over the program.
