Hamilton signs defenseman Petruic

The Hamilton Bulldogs announced on Friday the signing of defenseman Neil Petruic to a one-year contract (2010-11).

Petruic, 28, split last season between Manitoba and Binghamton, playing 13 games for the Moose collecting two points (one goal, one assist) and 29 games for the Senators earning four points (one goal, three assists).

The native of Regina, Sask., also played in three games for the Victoria Salmon Kings of the ECHL in 2009-10, picking up one assist and two penalty minutes.

The 6-foot-1, 200-pound defenseman has played a total of 231 career AHL games between Binghamton and Manitoba, posting 31 points (five goals, 26 assists) and 198 penalty minutes.

Prior to turning professional in the 2005-06 season, Petruic played four years at the University of Minnesota-Duluth from 2001-05 competing in a total of 157 games and recording 46 points (14 goals, 32 assists) and 251 penalty minutes. Petruic was originally drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the eighth round, 235th overall at the 2001 NHL Entry Draft.