Kelly Bent joins Dalhousie Tigers

Kelly Bent is sticking around the Maritimes.

The super pest of the QMJHL’s Maritimes Division has committed to the Dalhousie University Tigers for the 2016-17 season.

“I’m very excited to be joining the Tigers,” said Bent in a Tigers news release. “The team has a great history and a bright future and I look forward to contributing to their future success. Having played with a number of the current players, I think it will be an easy transition for me. It’s an honour to be able to attend and compete for Dalhousie.”

The Tigers have been one of the worst teams in Atlantic University Sport for years, only avoiding the conference’s basement because of the now-defunct St. Thomas University Tommies. According to HockeyDB, the Tigers have not reached double digits in wins since the 2010-11 season.

A number of former Sea Dogs have played for the Tigers in the past. Last season, ex-Dog Connor Donaghey suited up for Dalhousie.

As a 20-year-old last year with the Halifax Mooseheads, Bent recorded six goals and nine assists in 54 games. His 2015-16 season will likely be most remembered for the infamous incidents with Joe Veleno and Bokondji Imama.

Bent, known as a pest and agitator, had 13 goals, 23 assists and 522 penalty minutes in 215 games. He spent the 2013-14 season with the Sea Dogs where he registered four goals and two assists in 56 games.

Bent joins Derek Sheppard (York), Mike DiPaolo (WES), and Spencer Metcalfe (UPEI) as former QMJHL most penalized players now in CIS.

— Victor Findlay (@Finder_24) June 13, 2016

At the moment, the Tigers will play their first game – a pre-season game – on Sept. 24 against the Laurier Golden Hawks at the Halifax Forum.