FHL: Dayton Devils Add Defense and Grit with Signings

The Dayton Devils have announced the signings of four more players for their inaugural 2012/13 season, agreeing to terms with forwards Ahmed Mahfouz and Lucas Schott as well as defensemen James Sanford and Brian Marks. Fans who follow the Federal League will immediately recognize most of these names as the four bring a combined 251 FHL games to Dayton, compiled over the upstart league's first two seasons.

Mahfouz, 23, comes to Dayton after two years with the (now-defunct) Akwesasne Warriors and will instantly become a fan favorite at Hara Arena. The Ottawa native brings a high-energy, gritty game every night and has made a name for himself as one of the league's biggest agitators. With 347 PIM over just 73 games, Mahfouz will definitely stir the pot, but can also put up points, tallying 28 goals and 102 points during that span as well. He also added 17 points and 56 PIM in 11 playoff contests and was part of the Warrior squad that won the first-ever Commissioner's Cup in 2011. The biggest key for Mahfouz may be to avoid any more run-ins with league officials, as he was suspended several times last season for his on-ice conduct.  

Schott, 27, also will begin his third year in the Federal League and will provide a nice compliment to Mahfouz in the grit and energy department. In two seasons with Danbury and Brooklyn, the Erin, Ontario native racked up 262 PIM to go along with 44 points.

A product of SUNY Brockport, Schott totaled 32 points and 166 PIM in three collegiate seasons prior to turning pro with the Flint Generals of the IHL late in 2009/10. Schott spent this past summer in Australia with the Canberra Knights, totaling 23 points and 98 PIM in 15 games.

Sanford, 28, is one of the top defensemen in the FHL and brings with him a very impressive resume. One of the few Federal Leaguers to make it as high as the AHL, Sanford has spent 99 games at the AAA level with Hamilton, Milwaukee and Chicago. Sanford has also played in the ECHL, CHL, EIHL and LNAH since turning pro following a four-year major junior career with Moncton (QMJHL).

Last season with Danbury, Sanford served as captain and anchored the blueline while chipping in 31 points in 26 games. He had started the year with the Dayton Gems, playing In 18 games and totaling 4 points with 10 PIM. The New Brunswick native becomes the second former Gem to sign with the Devils, joining forward Brad Townsend (1 game in 2010/11). He also spent this summer playing in the Australian League for Melbourne and Gold Coast totaling 20 points and 44 PIM in 15 games.

Marks, 25, spent most of his first two seasons in pro hockey in Alex Bay, with the 1000 Islands Privateers. The blueliner totaled 21 points in 66 games for the Privateers before finishing out the 2011/12 campaign with Huntsville (SPHL) and Brooklyn. Marks played under Devils head coach Marc LeFebvre while in 1000 Islands and will be a key part of the Dayton defense.

Prior to turning pro, the Brownville, NY native played one season collegiately for UMass-Boston, and spent his junior "A" career with the Brockville Braves, totaling 46 points and 171 PIM in two seasons.

The Devils now have five forwards (Brayden Metz, Josh Ormsby, Townsend, Mahfouz, Schott), three defensemen (Ryan Wiley, Sanford, Marks) and one goaltender (Stephane Cesar) under contract for the upcoming season. The Devils kick off their first season on October 24, as they will take on the Williamsport Outlaws outdoors at Bowman Field in Williamsport, PA.