IceDogs Sign Trio of 2012 Draft Picks

Press Release

Niagara IceDogs Head Coach and General Manager Marty Williamson announced today that the IceDogs have signed a trio of 2012 OHL Priority Selections, fourth round picks Ben Hughes and Matt Gillard, as well as sixth round pick Vince Dunn.

Ben Hughes, a 6'3" 185 lbs. centre was the first of the IceDogs two fourth round picks, 65th overall. He was selected from the Barrie Jr. Colts, where he put up 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points in 29 games last season.

Matt Gillard was the second of the IceDogs two fourth round picks, 77th overall, having captained the Southern Tier Admirals last season. The 5'10", 175 lbs. left winger had 30 goals and 40 assists for 70 points in 61 games with the Admirals this past season.

Vince Dunn is a 5'11", 170 lbs. defenceman who was drafted by the IceDogs from the Peterborough Petes Minor Midget team. The 109th overall selection, Dunn picked up 14 assists in 26 games last season.

All three players have joined local Jr. B teams with Hughes and Dunn joining the Thorold Blackhawks and Gillard joining the Welland Jr. Canadians.

"We believe our future is really bright with a good group of young guys" said Williamson. "All three will be good IceDogs and it will be nice having all three of them so close to watch and help with their development."

The entire IceDogs organization would like to congratulate Ben, Matt and Vince on their signings and we look forward to seeing them in an IceDogs jersey in the coming years.

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)