Career
Watson started his hockey career as a player with the Greensboro Generals and Winston-Salem Polar Twins. He became a linesman and eventually a referee in several minor leagues before becoming an on-ice official in the World Hockey Association. From 1983 until 1987, Watson was an on-ice official for the Atlantic Coast Hockey League.
Watson left the Atlantic Coast Hockey League in 1987 to become the commissioner of the newly formed All-American Hockey League.
Before joining the ACHL, Watson worked as the commissioner for the New England Hockey League, a senior amateur league that operated in the New England area from 1979 until 1982. Watson was named head coach of the Carolina Thunderbirds on February 19, 1989, replacing then-head coach Keith McAdams.
Watson led the Thunderbirds to the Riley Cup playoffs, winning eight out of the final thirteen games. Watson led the Thunderbirds to a game seven victory against the Johnstown Chiefs in 1989, winning the first Riley Cup in ECHL history despite only having 11 out of a possible 14 players available for the final game.
