PETERSEN INKS WITH THE PENS

The Pittsburgh Penguins announced today that graduating Saint John Sea Dogs winger Nicholas Petersen has been signed to a three year entry level contract by the National Hockey League club.

The 20-year old and now former Sea Dog was drafted in the fourth round, 121 overall by the Penguins in the 2009 NHL entry draft.

Petersen attended Pittsburgh's camp last season and was expected to be assigned to the American Hockey League’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins or the East Coast Hockey League’s Wheeling Nailers. Instead, he was reassigned to the junior for one last season.

The Wakefield, Quebec native had a productive season with the Dogs, scoring 39 goals and dishing out 40 assists. Along with his 79 regular season points, Petersen led the league in plus/minus rating for much of the season.

In the post-season, Petersen recorded seven goals and 21 assists while helping Saint John reach the league final for the first time in franchise history.

Petersen’s QMJHL rights were shipped to Saint John at this past seasons draft to complete a deal that saw fellow Penguins draft pick Alex Grant be sent to Shawinigan. In 178 career games, the right winger scored 87 goals and 111 assists.

Next-up for Petersen – who is believed to be the only married player in the Quebec circuit – will be Pens training camp in the fall. He will be joined by former Sea Dog Alex Grant and current Saint John defenseman Simon Despres.