Mark Louis has gone from competing as an AUS defensemen for the StFX X-Men to an NHL team in a matter of seven weeks.

After joining and playing with the Portland Pirates of the America Hockey League (AHL) on February 23rd, Louis recently received the call to join the Phoenix Coyotes as one of ten prospects to practice with the NHL squad during their playoff run. The ten prospects are referred to as the ‘black aces’ and will practice with the other prospects in the Phoenix organization throughout the NHL playoffs. The Coyotes are currently tied 1-1 in their western conference quarter-finals series with the Chicago Blackhawks with game three slated for tonight in Chicago.

“We are extremely happy for Mark and the exciting opportunity he has been given,” comments X-Men head coach Brad Peddle. “He had a successful stretch run with Portland and was able to impress enough to be called up to Phoenix during their playoff run to practice with other prospects in their organization.”

“In a short time frame he has gone from the StFX X-Men to the Portland Pirates and now on to a practice group of the Phoenix Coyotes. We wish him all the best and hope he continues his development into a great opportunity for next year within their organization.”

Since signing with the Pirates, the Ponoka, Alberta native has played 23 games over the latter part of their season, notching four assists and racking up 72 penalty minutes. The six foot four inch, 230 pound defenseman brings a strong physical presence to the ice. The Pirates wrapped up regular season play this past Sunday, closing out their year with a 36-31-4 record, finishing in third place in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern conference, and just two points shy of a playoff berth.

While at StFX, Louis played the last three full seasons, including this past year where he played scored five points (one goal and four assists) in 25 games and had 47 penalty minutes while patrolling the StFX blue line.