Almost a Brahma...

Dudas gets AHL opportunity

When the Corpus Christi IceRays folded, defenseman Jesse Dudas found himself without a team, but not without options. He had already agreed to join the Texas Brahmas for the 2010-11 season, but a better offer came calling.

This week, the Philadelphia Flyers (NHL) signed him to an American Hockey league contract. He'll join the Adirondack Phantoms for training camp in September.

"I know my skill level has been there and it could have been an NHL contract," Dudas said. "But they were up to their max and offered me an American League deal."

The 22-year-old native of St. Albert, Alberta sat out much of last season dealing with immigration issues. He played in 17 games with the Bloomington Prairie Thunder (IHL) and then played the final seven games for Corpus Christi, notching a goal and two assists. He also had an assist in two games against the Brahmas in the first round of the playoffs.

A native of St. Albert, Alberta, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Dudas has played in 29 professional games. He was selected 159th overall in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft by the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Photo Credit: Robert Keith