Calgary Stampeders extend contract of defensive lineman Corey Mace

CALGARY – The Calgary Stampeders have signed defensive lineman Corey Mace to a contract extension.

The 29-year-old from Port Moody, B.C., started a dozen regular-season games in 2014. He recorded 11 tackles and a fumble recovery. Mace contributed to a Stampeder defence that averaged less than 100 rushing yards against per game.

Mace had a sack and a tackle in Calgary’s Grey Cup win over Hamilton.

He suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in the first game of the 2013 season and missed the majority of the 2011 campaign with a ruptured Achilles’ tendon.

The six-foot-three, 286-pound defensive tackle was a second-round draft pick of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2007, but Mace signed as a free agent with the NFL’s Buffalo Bills.

He played a combined five games for the Bills in 2008 and 2009 before the Stampeders acquired his rights from Toronto in 2010.

Mace has 40 tackles, two fumble recoveries and a pair of forced fumbles in 40 career games for Calgary. He had a one-yard touchdown catch in 2012.

“Corey is a force in the middle of our defensive line and is an important part of our defence,” Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel said in a statement.

“Not only has he been an excellent player, but he has also provided leadership for the young players on the defensive line. I’m looking forward to a healthy and productive season for Corey in 2015.”