Prince George, B.C.-   The Prince George Cougars'  20-year old defenceman Sena Acolatse has signed a contract with the National Hockey League’s San Jose Sharks.

Acolatse, a 5’11”, 207 pound blue-liner from Edmonton, Alberta, was born in San Jose and becomes the first Bay-Area born prospect to be signed by the Sharks.  The Cougars acquired Acolatse from the Saskatoon Blades in early October.  Acolatse leads Cougars defencemen in scoring this season with 14 goals and a team high 42 assists for 56 points, fourth among all WHL defencemen.  Acolatse is four points away from becoming the fourth Prince George Cougars defenceman and first since Dan Hamhuis in 2001-02 to collect 60 points in a season.

“This is a great moment for me to sign with the Sharks and join a tremendous organization that is building a winning tradition,” said Acolatse, who has collected 12 points in the last 10 games.  “Coming to Prince George has been an excellent move for me and I want to thank the Cougars for giving me the opportunity to continue growing my game in Prince George.”

“Sena has been an outstanding leader for our hockey club both on and off the ice,” said Cougars General Manager Dallas Thompson.  “The Cougars are proud that his hard work has paid off and we wish all the best for Sena in the Sharks organization after he graduates from our program.”