The Hamilton Tiger-Cats have announced the signing of three non-import players Thursday. Defensive back Eric Nielsen, running back Les Mullings and linebacker Brian Oddi have agreed to contracts with the Ticats and will participate in training camp in May.
''You can never have enough talented Canadians on your roster,'' said General Manager Rob Katz. ''We're looking forward to having these three players compete in camp.''
Nielsen was a first-team CIS All-Canadian for the third consecutive year in 2005, his fifth and final season with the Acadia Axemen. The Alexandria, Ontario native recorded 26 defensive tackles and three interceptions in eight games during the 2005 season. The 6-0, 180-pound defensive back will be attending the Ticats training camp for the second time after taking part in Hamilton's 2005 camp.
Mullings, the Ottawa Renegades third round selection (20th overall) in the 2005 Canadian College Draft, returns to his hometown of Hamilton after five seasons with the St. Mary's Huskies. The 6-1, 228-pound running back has captured two Vanier Cups (2002, 2003) and was nominated for the Hec Crighton award in 2003.
Oddi, a 6-1, 200-pound linebacker was named to the All-PSAC West first team in 2003 after leading the conference in tackles with California-Pennsylvania. The Waterdown, Ontario native signed with the Renegades as a free agent last season after amassing 50 tackles in only six games during the 2004 season.