October 4, 2012,

SAINT JOHN – The Saint John Sea Dogs would like to announce the signing of free agent defenceman Steven Duda to a standard junior contract.

The 6’4”, 195-pound Duda spent the 2011-12 season playing with the Springfield Pics of the Eastern Junior Hockey League in the United States.

“Steven is a big kid with a very good skill set. This being his first year of major junior hockey, he will have an opportunity to play and develop,” says Sea Dogs Head Coach and General Manager Mike Kelly. “We believe that in time he will be an impact player in the league.”

In 38 games with the Pics, the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native registered two goals, both of them game-winners, along with eight assists. His 76 penalty minutes tied for second place on the team.

Sea Dogs fans will have their first chance to catch Duda in action tomorrow night when Nathan MacKinnon and the Halifax Mooseheads visit Harbour Station. Game time is the usual 7:30 PM and tickets are available at the Harbour Station box office, online at www.tickets.harbourstation.ca and by calling 657-1234.