Yotes sign Mark Louis

The Phoenix Coyotes announced today that they have signed 25 year old defenseman; Mark Louis to a one year contract. The tough defenseman is 6-foot-4 and weighs 225 pounds. He played this past season in the American Hockey League with Portland Pirates; the Coyotes affiliate. He recorded 4 assists along with 72 penalty minutes in 23 games.

He played 5 seasons in the Western Hockey League from 2003-2008. He totaled 10 goals, 40 assists along with 379 penalty minutes in 303 games. After those five years in the WHL he went to play for St Francis Xavier University in the Atlantic University Sport Conference. He played three season for St. FX, scoring 1 time and adding 3 assists and 92 penalty minutes in 41 games.

Mark Louis adds grit to whichever lineup he plays in and is relied on to step up to make big physical plays. He is expected to start next season for Portland again in the American Hockey League.

Coyotes Signing Rating: B-, tough guy who will add grit to the back-end of any lineup