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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