"From all scouting reports, Jamie is a big and strong forward who works extremely hard," said Falcons president and general manager Bruce Landon. "We are excited Jamie will be part of training camp in September and he will be given every opportunity to try and make our hockey team."

Bates recently concluded his collegiate career with Quinnipiac University where he averaged a point-a-game last season collecting 11 goals and 23 assists for 34 points in 34 games played. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound native of Toronto, Ontario ranked third on the Bobcats in scoring during the 2007-08 campaign. Bates also made his pro debut last season as a member of the AHL's Norfolk Admirals collecting one assist and nine penalty minutes in five games played.

In 143 career games with Quinnipiac, Bates tallied 52 goals and 77 assists for 129 career points. On November 16, 2007 against Princeton, Bates became the 26th player in Quinnipiac men's hockey history to score 100 career points. Bates finished his career ranked 11th all-time at Quinnipiac in scoring.