Calgary Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel is pleased to announce that non-import defensive lineman Corey Mace, who was eligible to become a free agent on Feb. 15, has signed a contract extension with the club. As per team policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Mace was one of only three defensive players — defensive end Charleston Hughes and linebacker Malik Jackson were the others — to start all 21 regular-season and playoff games for the Stampeders in 2012. At his defensive tackle position, Mace was an important contributor to a Stamps team that finished in the top half in most significant league defensive stat categories. Calgary finished tied for second in the CFL in sacks with 43 and did not allow a 100-yard rushing game to an opponent in the final 16 regular-season contests.

Mace led Calgary’s interior linemen in 2012 with 25 tackles and tied for the club lead with two forced fumbles. He also picked up one sack. Mace even made a contribution on offence as, on Oct. 26 against BC, he was on the field as part of the Stamps’ short-yardage package and hauled in a one-yard touchdown pass.

During the playoffs, Mace recorded three defensive tackles and one sack.

The 26-year-old Vancouver native joined the Stampeders in 2010 after his rights were acquired in a trade with the Toronto Argonauts. Mace played eight games with the Stamps during his first season but was limited to a single contest in 2011 because of an Achilles tendon injury.

“Corey was a solid and consistent performer for us in the middle of the defensive line this past season,” said Hufnagel. “His durability and reliability were very important in light of the toll injuries took on us at that position this season. Coming off a season-long injury the previous year, Corey developed very well in 2012 and I look forward to even more progress next season.”

In 27 career regular-season games with the Stampeders, Mace has 33 tackles, three sacks, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery for touchdown.

“I’m very happy to get this contract signed and for the opportunity to continue my career in Calgary,” said Mace. “I see great things coming for this football team and I’m thrilled that I’m going to be a part of that.”

The University of Wyoming product was originally drafted in the second round (11th overall) by Winnipeg in the 2007 CFL Canadian Draft and started his professional career with the National Football League’s Buffalo Bills, playing a total of five games in 2008 and 2009.