HabsWorld.net -- 

Alexander Perezhogin is one step closer to resuming his North American professional hockey career, after reaching a plea agreement, in which he pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily harm, as a result of the now infamous incident back on April 30, 2004.

The agreement calls for Perezhogin to pay $5,000 to charity as well as an additional $2,500 to cover Barons’ D Garrett Stafford’s medical expenses. He will also be under 1 year’s probation.

“I am happy that this has come to a conclusion,” said Perezhogin through an interpreter. “I am ready to start a new beginning in my life.”

Perezhogin’s lawyer, David Humphrey, and agent Don Meehan also spoke to the media Tuesday.

“This is entirely out of character for him,” said Humphrey. “He’s never been involved in a hockey fight, he’s never had a five-minute major penalty and the only reason he acted in that completely out of character fashion is because of the blow to the back of the head.”

Meehan, meanwhile, had this to say about the Canadiens prospect: “People make mistakes. He’s a good person. I’ll think he’ll recover from this.”

Perezhogin’s 1 year AHL suspension has now been served, and he will now seek reinstatement to the league prior to training camp next season.

In other Bulldogs news…

Reports indicating that the Bulldogs have reached an affiliation agreement with Edmonton for next season are premature, however, talks are beginning between the 2 sides. The Oilers are planning to send players to 2 teams, the other reportedly being Des Moines, the new Dallas affiliate.