SEA DOGS NOTEBOOK

GAGNE’S KNEE OKAY
Defenseman Kevin Gagne practiced today and is expected to play this weekend according to the Sea Dogs official Twitter page. Gagne suffered what appeared to be a significant knee injury on Sunday afternoon when the Sea Dogs defeated the Lewiston MAINEiacs 8-3 at Harbour Station.

Maineiacs defender Eric Gelinas nailed Gagne with a slap shot as he stood in front of the goal. Gagne lay on the ice and was unable to get to the bench, allowing Lewiston score on the ensuing rush. He left the game and didn’t return.

TWO DOGS ON THE HOT LIST
It’s been awhile but two Saint John Sea Dogs gave made The Hockey News’ weekly Hot List. The list takes a look at the hottest prospects in the hockey world each week. Mentioned this week were Stanislav Galiev, ranked seventh, and Michael Kirkpatrick who finishes out the list at number 10.

“After a successful run in the United States League last year, Galiev has taken his show to the ‘Q’ and not missed a beat,” wrote Ryan Kennedy of Galiev. “The Russian import is tied for the lead in rookie scoring with 31 points in 32 games and boasts an excellent plus-24 rating. Draft eligible in 2010.”

“Kirkpatrick turned a great 2008-09 campaign into a rookie camp invite with the Minnesota Wild,” said THN. “The Sea Dogs center is back at it again this year, showing more of a playmaking side with 27 assists and 36 points in 32 games, and an outstanding plus-23 rating. Draft eligible in 2010 (undrafted in 2009).”

To view the list click HERE.

NO SHOCK HERE
With Saint John on a 20 game winning streak, it should come as no surprise to see the Dogs as this week’s Hot Team in the QMJHL yet again. Rogers Sportsnet also called the Lewiston Maineiacs, who played the Sea Dogs on Sunday, as this week’s Cold Team.

“The amazing Sea Dogs continued their assault on the league’s record-books with another undefeated week,” said the article. “Saint John defeated P.E.I., Gatineau and Lewiston to extend its winning streak to 20 games – the third highest total in league history. They will put their streak to the test with three games in three nights this coming weekend.”

Last Wednesday’s Sea Dogs-Rocket affair was named the Game of The Week in last week’s “Who’s Hot, Who’s Not.” This week, Sundays tilt will be put in the spotlight.

“The Sea Dogs will have a difficult test in pursuit of the all-time league record for consecutive wins,” said Sportsnet. “Saint John heads to P.E.I. and Acadie-Bathurst for games on Friday and Saturday before meeting the Wildcats. The Sea Dogs can pull to within a win of tying the second-best record of 24 straight wins, if they run the table again this week. The Wildcats are falling below the radar after inconsistency and injuries ravaged their start. A win over the Sea Dogs could help lift the morale of a team many predicted to contend this season.”

To see this week’s story click HERE.

Rogers Sportsnet’s game of the week broadcast is on Friday Dec. 11 when the Oshawa Generals are at the Kingston Frontenacs. (8:00 pm AST, OHL Regional)

GAME THREE GOES SUNDAY
MONCTON WILDCATS PRESS RELEASE
Sunday's Rivalry Cup has many specials:

As if the intense rivalry between the Wildcats and Saint John Sea Dogs is not enough to spur special interest and fan support for Sunday afternoon's 4 o'clock game at the Coliseum, there are a number of special events planned.

As a special Christmas gift, Mortgage Maker Inc through the Military Resource Centre are providing game tickets for members of the Military and their families.

Members of the Moncton Firefighters, who recently won the World Combat Challenge will be in attendance, providing us with the opportunity to thank and salute them.

Following the game, Season Ticket Holders and members of the Kiddy Kats Club will get their chance to "Skate with the Cats."

There are other things in the works. Look for a big announcement tomorrow regarding several large prizes which fans will be able to win through Scoro. Buy a 50/50 ticket for a chance to win.

The Wildcats will want to put an end to the Sea Dogs winning streak, so you're assured of great hockey and a chance for the Wildcats to win Rivalry Cup points. Currently in the new Rivalry Cup format, the Sea Dogs lead the Wildcats by 3.5 points.

Matt Brown will be the player of the game on Sunday for the big Rivalry Cup game against the Sea Dogs.