(Antigonish, NS)— Former StFX X-Men hockey defenseman Mark Louis’ stock keeps rising. After being called up to the Phoenix Coyotes two weeks ago to join their practice squad during the 2012 NHL playoff run, Phoenix general manager Don Maloney announced Monday that they signed Louis to a one year contract.
Playing with the Coyotes AHL affiliate in Portland since late February, the 6-foot-4, 225 pound Louis collected four assists and 72 penalty minutes in 23 games with the Pirates. He signed a professional try-out agreement with Portland on February 27th, followed by an AHL contact on March 5th.
“We are very excited for Mark and the professional opportunities that he has been given,” comments X-Men hockey head coach Brad Peddle. “He had a successful run with Portland to close out the AHL regular season, and was able to impress enough to be called up to Phoenix during their playoff run to the practice squad.”
“He has worked very hard to achieve this NHL contract, we wish him all the best and hope he continues his development into a great opportunity within the Coyotes organization for next year.”
While at StFX (2008-2012), Louis played the last two full seasons, including this past year where he scored five points (1-4-5) in 25 regular season and three AUS playoff games, along with 65 penalty minutes. While patrolling the StFX blue line, the 25 year old native of Ponoka, Alberta appeared in 91 total career games with the X-Men (2-9-11 and 195 PIM).
His time as an X-Man was a memorable one, commenting, “The coaching staff works with you individually to better your game, and it's as close to a professional atmosphere as you can get. From the training facilities, to the ice surfaces, to the small community you never run out of resources when you're at X. They give you everything you need and the coaching staff works and prepares you for the next level. StFX is a hockey program that wants you to make the jump to the professional ranks.”
“StFX in particular gives you all the tools you need to succeed at the next level, it just comes down to how bad you want it.”
Louis also appeared in 303 games in the Western Hockey League (WHL), registering 10-40-50 and 379 PIM with the Brandon Wheat Kings (2003-04 through 2007-08) and Red Deer Rebels (2007-08).
The Coyotes currently lead their western conference semi-final series over the Nashville Predators two games to none. Game three is slated for Wednesday night in Nashville.
The official release from the Phoenix Coyotes follows below.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA --- Phoenix Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney announced today the Coyotes have signed defenseman Mark Louis (pronounced Lewis) to a one-year contract. As per club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
The 6-foot-4, 225 pound Louis collected four assists and 72 penalty minutes (PIM) in 23 games with the Portland Pirates, the Coyotes American Hockey League affiliate this season. Louis signed a PTO (professional try-out agreement) with Portland on Feb. 27. He signed an AHL contact with the Pirates on Mar. 5.
The 25-year-old native of Ponoka, Alberta appeared in 41 career games with St. Francis Xavier University (Atlantic University Sport – Canada), recording 1-3-4 and 92 PIM. Louis also appeared in 303 games in the Western Hockey League (WHL), registering 10-40-50 and 379 PIM with the Brandon Wheat Kings (2003-04 through 2007-08) and Red Deer Rebels (2007-08).