The organization made the landmark announcement at the conclusion of the first-ever Sea Dogs Par 3 Celebrity Challenge, held today at Rockwood Park Golf Course.

SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Sea Dogs and the Sea Dogs Foundation are very proud to announce Jonathan Huberdeau is the first inductee into the new Sea Dogs Hall of Fame.

Huberdeau, now 24, is one of the most decorated players in franchise history. He was selected for induction by an esteemed panel of Sea Dogs stakeholders.

The native of St-Jerome, Quebec, joined the Sea Dogs as a first-round pick in 2009 and spent three-and-a-half seasons in a Saint John uniform.

In his second season, he led the Sea Dogs to the 2011 President Cup championship and a MasterCard Memorial Cup title, where he was named MVP of the tournament. He then captained the Sea Dogs to the 2012 President Cup championship.

Huberdeau is the team's all-time leading scorer with 257 points, and sits second in goals (104) and assists (153). He won numerous team awards, including Most Valuable Player in 2011 and back-to-back Fans Choice Awards in 2011 and 2012.

"This is obviously a huge honour for me," Huberdeau said. "So many great players have played here. Being the first inductee into the Hall of Fame means a lot. I had great teammates here, and the fans have been so wonderful to me. Saint John will always be a special place. The Sea Dogs have built a winning tradition and I'm proud to have been a part of it."

"Jonathan is synonymous with Sea Dogs hockey," said Sea Dogs President and General Manager Trevor Georgie. "There are a number of players who could have been the first inductee, but Jonathan stood above the rest. On the ice, he was a critical component in a multi-year championship run and rewrote the team's record books in the process. Off the ice, he earned a reputation as a kind, mature, caring and loyal individual.

"His impact on our organization still resonates with fans today. That made him a worthy first inductee."

The Sea Dogs Hall of Fame is a year-long project that will open in the summer of 2018. It will feature a members' wing and Sea Dogs memorabilia accumulated since the start of the franchise in 2005. The location will be announced at a later date.

Huberdeau will be inducted officially at a gala dinner at the 2018 Sea Dogs Par 3 Celebrity Challenge.

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