SEA DOGS NOTEBOOK

A MESSAGE FROM McCAIN
The following was a letter to the editor in the Telegraph-Journal on Wednesday, December 16, 2009. It read as follows:

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the fans and corporate community for riding the wave that came in the form of the Saint John Sea Dogs' recent 22-game winning streak.

This year's team is, indeed, very special in so many ways. The amount of pride we all feel toward these young men and what they have accomplished is something we will always cherish. Sharing in this success with all our stakeholders, the fans, the sponsors, the community at large and all the Sea Dogs organization, from top to bottom, has been amazing.

We will continue to encourage and support our coaches and players, as we have in the past, with the hope that we will finish the season on a strong note and be ready for a solid playoff run.

On behalf of the entire ownership group, I extend my sincere thanks as we look forward to the second half of the season.

SCOTT MCCAIN
Majority owner
Saint John Sea Dogs

THE STREAK LIVES ON
The story of the Sea Dogs’ winning streak has not died yet. The QMJHL’s website had a story about the Dogs’ winning streak and compares it to those in the past.

“At the onset, to win night after night is not an easy task, whatever the league or the sport. Add to this a streak that reaches upwards of twenty wins in a row and you begin to threaten some records. Such was the path that the Sea Dogs were on until Sunday, December 13th, 2009.

“In the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, another reality hits these 16 to 20-year-olds head-on: Their education. The Sea Dogs’ players also need to take into account the end of the school semester and upcoming exams.

“This season, the Saint John Sea Dogs, playing in a very strong Atlantic Division, were successful in win-ning 22 consecutive games. During their streak, which extended from October 17th until December 12th, Saint John scored 107 goals while allowing a mere 44. The offence was led mainly by Mike Hoffman (36 points and 8 game-winning goals), Nicholas Petersen (31), Michael Kirkpatrick (30) and rookie Stanislav Galiev (25 points). The strong defensive brigade saw its veteran, Yann Sauvé, register a solid +24 differential in addition to gathering 16 points. In nets, veteran Marc-Antoine Gélinas won 15 games, allowing a meagre 1.83 goals per game along with a .933 save percentage. Karel St-Laurent posted the other seven wins.”

Why the education part was added I do not know. You can view the full article by clicking HERE.
PETERSEN DOES IT AGAIN
Nicholas Petersen was named the top player in the QMJHL again this week. He picked up the top spot in TSN Player Rankings. Petersen had an overall score of 90.34, the only player with a rating higher than 90.

His team mate Marc-Antoine Gelinas comes in at seventh with a rating of 82.03.

To view the full rankings click HERE.

TRADE DEADLINE STARTS SATURDAY
All the debates and arguments will get even hotter when the QMJHL trade window opens on Saturday. Although it is unlikely a blockbuster is pulled off on the opening day – you never know.

Saint John will definitely not be a seller, but will they be a buying is the big question around the league. Last season Saint John sold big players Alex Grant and Chris DiDomenico. This season, Saint John could be on the receiving end of that kind of deal.

Station Nation will have the Sea Dogs covered during the most wonderful time of year. The trading period closes on January 7, 2010 at 1:00 pm AST.

ALLEN MAKES JUNIOR TEAM
Six players from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League were named to Team Canada's World Junior roster today. They are: Jake Allen (Montreal), Luke Adam (Cape Breton), Gabriel Bourque (Baie-Comeau), Jordan Caron (Rimouski), Patrice Cormier (Rimouski) and Marco Scandella (Val-d'Or).

Allen, the Fredericton native, has been reportedly dealt to Saint John even though the trade period doesn’t open until Saturday. A report in Sports Juniors said that the Sea Dogs acquired the all-star goaltender in October. When asked, Sea Dogs head coach Gerard Gallant said “there’s no truth to that.”

Canada will play its first game of the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship on Boxing Day, December 26 versus Latvia, a game that will be broadcast LIVE by TSN/RDS and on The FAN Radio Network (check local listings).

SEA DOGS STYLES OPEN ALL WEEK
Just a reminder, Sea Dogs Styles is open this week for the holidays. The hours are as follows:

December 14 - 18: 10am - 5pm
December 19: 10am - 4pm
December 21-23: 10am - 5pm
December 24: 10am - 1pm

Station Nation strongly suggests Sea Dogs hockey cards, team calendars, and the new RBK Edge jerseys.

MOOSE ARE IN TOWN
The Halifax Mooseheads are at the Station tomorrow to take on the Dogs. Thursday's home game has been designated the second Golden Year Gala of the season, with special discounted seats available for fans aged 60 and older. The newest issue of Prospects Hockey Magazine will also be given away at Harbour Station on Thursday.