Sea Dogs Bring Back Ian Saab from Europe

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SAINT JOHN – The Saint John Sea Dogs announced today the team has brought back defenceman Ian Saab to fill the open over-age spot on the roster.

Saab, the 20-year-old from Halifax, has been playing professionally for EC Red Bull Salzburg in the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga in Salzburg, Austria.

“We are thrilled to have Ian join our team,” says Sea Dogs head coach and General Manager Mike Kelly. “His experience in the league will certainly benefit our younger players and help solidify our young blue line.”

The 6-foot-2, 192-pound Saab spent two years with the Lewiston Maineiacs, playing 68 regular-season games over two seasons scoring four times and adding six assists and racking up 161 penalty minutes along the way.

Saab played 52 games with the Sea Dogs in 2011-12 after being acquired in the dispersal draft of the Lewiston Maineiacs in 2011. He had two goals and seven assists to go along with 164 penalty minutes.

In eight games with Salzburg, Saab gathered 41 penalty minutes while being held without a point.

“He is a quality person who plays the game hard,” Kelly says. “We expect that he will play in all situations for us while providing a physical presence and add to the leadership of the team.”