Saunders was a sixth round selection of the Chicago Shamrox back in 2008. Since then he has spent time with the Minnesota Swarm, Rochester Knighthawks, Toronto Rock, and Philadelphia Wings in 2012.
Last season Saunders was back again in Philadelphia and had a bang out year with 25 G, 14 A in 15 games. Prior to the start of last season Saunders came into camp on a mission. He was tired of being sent from team to team for a cup of coffee and by the end of camp he showed what he can do on the floor, both on offense and defense.
Saunders is a tough, gritty type of player that will fight for every loose ball and is not afraid to go to the middle and take the punishment to score a goal. Last season Saunders had Jordan Hall, Tracey Kelusky, Kevin Crowley, Garrett Thul, Kyle Buchanan, and Ryan Ward.
This season Saunders will be part of an offense that includes Brett Bucktooth (18 G, 25 A), Kevin Buchanan (16 G, 38 A in 2013), Kyle Buchanan (23 G, 46 A), Mark Cockerton (Rookie), Jamie Lincoln (9 G/, 5 A) in nine games with Vancouver and Colorado, Quinn Powless (Rookie) along with the offensive leader Kevin Crowley (33 G, 42 A). No doubt the Blackwolves will be looking for Saunders to push that 30-plus goal plateau.
Big losses on the offense include Tracey Kelusky and Ryan Ward (retired), Jordan Hall (trade) and Garrett Thul (military commitment) who had 21 goals and 12 assists in his rookie year brought that big body presence to open up the middle.
Seems like Saunders has found himself a home. Hopefully with the confidence Saunders has gained from last season along with the young talent this year, Saunders and the Blackwolves can have an inaugural season to howl about.
New England Black Wolves—2015
Forwards (8): Kevin Buchanan, Kyle Buchanan, Brett Bucktooth, Mark Cockerton, Kevin Crowley, Jamie Lincoln, Quinn Powless, Pat Saunders.
Transition (3): Jesse Fehr, Ryan Hotaling, Joel White.
Defensemen (7): Michael Diehl, Craig England, Michael Manley, Brett Manney, Mike McNamara, Brian Megill, Bill O’Brien.
Goaltenders (2): Tye Belanger, Evan Kirk.
Practice Squad: Brent Adams (D), Sheldon Burns (D), Matt Crough (F), Josh Johnson (F).
