StFX defenseman Mark Louis signs pro contract with AHLÕs Portland

(Antigonish, NS)—StFX defenseman Mark Louis recently signed a professional contract with the Phoenix Coyotes affiliate team, the Portland Pirates. Louis joined the Pirates on February 23rd and played three weekend games with the American Hockey League team.

“We are extremely happy with the professional opportunity Mark has been given,” comments X-Men hockey head coach Brad Peddle. “He was an important player for us, a very good physical defenseman that worked hard on developing his game each year he was here.”

“Mark was a big part of some very good playoff runs here and brought out the best in his game at these times. He is a high character individual and was a very popular teammate. The entire StFX hockey program wishes him the absolute best in the next step of achieving his professional hockey goals.”

The six foot four inch, 230 pound defenseman brought a strong physical presence to the ice, playing the last three full seasons at StFX. In 25 games played this past season, Louis scored five points (one goal and four assists) and racked up 47 penalty minutes while patrolling the StFX blue line. The native of Ponoka, Alberta joined the Portland Pirates in Maine late last week in time for three weekend games.

Louis suited up for a pair of road games in Connecticut and Worcester on Friday and Saturday night, followed by his debut at home in Portland on Sunday. The Pirates play out of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference of the AHL and currently have a 25-25-3-3 record in fifth place at the bottom of their division with a month and a half left in the season.

Although Louis is closing the StFX chapter in his life, he is excited to be pursuing a professional hockey opportunity. “I would like to thank my coaches, the StFX community, and most importantly, my teammates for allowing me to pursue my goals to the fullest over the past few years,” says Louis.

“StFX was a great experience and suffice to say that having the supporting cast that the StFX hockey program represents in my corner, has really helped my development into the player that I am today.” 

(30)