Bulldogs sign veteran Focht

The Hamilton Bulldogs announced on Monday that they have signed defenseman Dan Focht to a contract.

Focht, a 26-year-old native of Regina, Sask., played in 52 games with the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins last season, tallying five points (2g, 3a) and adding 105 penalty minutes.

Focht, a 6-foot-6, 240-pound defenseman, has played in 82 career NHL games with Phoenix and Pittsburgh and has posted eight points (2g, 6a) and 145 penalty minutes.

He has also skated in 298 career AHL games, all with Springfield from 1997-2003, tallying eight goals and 37 assists for 45 points along with 641 PIM. Bulldogs assistant Ron Wilson was on the Falcons’ coaching staff from 1997-2000.

The Phoenix Coyotes selected Focht in the first round, 11th overall, in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft. Focht will wear number 44 for Hamilton.