Nick Dobson is packing his bags and ready for the next stage of his hockey career.

Yesterday, Dobson, 17, signed with the Weyburn Red Wings of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) and is heading to their main training camp that opens on Aug. 30.

In the spring, Dobson signed with the BCHL Creston Creston Valley Thunder Cats Jr. 'B' team. He attended the Creston main camp just a week ago and was released Aug. 21. The very next day, he was approached by the Weyburn Red Wings.

At 6'1", 190 lbs., Dobson is a formidable defenceman. He was named the top midget defenceman in the 'AA'  South Central Alberta Hockey League (SCAHL) in his final season of minor play and was an alternate captain for the Bow Valley Timberwolves.

In the last two seasons with the Timberwolves, he notched 45 points in 59 regular-season games and played in seven SCAHL playoff games. He also made appearances with the CFR Airdrie 'AAA' Bisons.

The British-born Dobson moved to Canada with his family about 10 years ago and almost instantly knew it was the sport for him. After a few years in the rec leagues, he climbed into the ranks of the SCAHL.

Dobson is looking forward to playing for the Red Wings. In an interview with Cochrane Now in April, he spoke with enthusiasm about his aspirations of playing junior 'A'.

The Red Wings are two-time winners of the national Royal Cup, most recently in 2005.

They were one of the founding members of the Western Hockey League in 1966 but rejoined the SJHL largely due to travelling costs. They have won eight SJHL championships, including four in the 90s and claimed the trophy most recently in 2001.

The 12 SJHL teams play in three divisions. Last season, the Red Wings placed third in Viterra Division and were knocked out in the first round of playoffs.

The Red Wings first exhibition game is on the road against Estevan Bruins on Sept. 3, followed by a home matchup the next night against the Yorkton Terriers. The regular season opens on Sept. 13 at home against the Bruins.