CHL MIDSEASON REPORTPatrick King of Rogers Sportsnet has published his Canadian Hockey League midseason report on Sportsnet.ca. The Sea Dogs were called the surprising team of the QMJHL’s first half.
There was little doubt the Sea Dogs had the potential to surprise this season, but even they would probably admit success came quicker than expected. The franchise began the season with a new head coach, new general manager and several new faces in the lineup, and the transition was seamless.
The Sea Dogs set the third-longest winning-streak in league history after rattling off 22 straight wins just before the holiday break. Saint John's dominance is the only surprising aspect of its resurgence. When the league returns from break, Saint John will be the team to beat in the second half of the season.
Former Sea Dog goalie Troy Passingham was called the surprising player in the OHL. Passingham ended up with the Windsor Spitfires this season after being released by Saint John in 2008.
Passingham was as unknown as they came entering the new season, yet quickly established himself as Windsor's starting goaltender. The Spitfires planned on going with overage goaltender Josh Unice this season, but cut ties with the injured goaltender to make room for Memorial Cup hero Dale Mitchell.
Passingham began training camp as the No. 3, behind Unice and 17-year-old Steve Gleeson. The newcomer won the job after Unice's injury and Gleeson's request to be traded closer to his home in Toronto. Passingham's numbers are among the league leaders in each category. The only question that remains is if the Spitfires' brass will seek a proven veteran or ride with their surprise reclamation project.
To view the entire report click HERE.
LECOMTE TRADED AGAIN?
According to Sports Juniors Magazine, Benjamin Lecomte has been traded to the Gatineau Olypiques. Lecomte was traded by Saint John to the Val-d’Or Foreurs last week in exchange for Christian Morin.
To view the French article click HERE.
SEA DOGS HOCKEY CARDS
If you’re frustrated with looking through packs of hockey cards at Harbour Station to try and finish your team set, we have the answer.
L’Imaginaire, a sports store in Quebec City, is offering the entire set for $14.99 plus shipping. To purchase the set click HERE.
GALIEV DISSED AGAIN
Stanislav Galiev was once again rejected by the International Scouting Service. The latest rankings were released on Christmas day.
Galiev continues to search for respect in the scouting community despite leading all QMJHL rookies in scoring. Many scouts are now suggesting that his high point total is because of his veteran line mates in Nicholas Petersen and Mike Hoffman.
A pair of Moncton Wildcats were on the list in Brandon Gormley and Kirill Kabanov. To view the full listings from the World of Junior Hockey click HERE.
GALIEV HONORED BY H.F.
Hockey’s Future named Stanislav Galiev one of the top 10 draft eligible players in the QMJHL. Here is what they had to say about the Russian rookie:
Galiev, who played last season in the USHL, has the good fortune of playing for the top team in the QMJHL, and he plays on a line with Nicholas Petersen and Mike Hoffman, two 20-year-old veterans who under most other circumstances would likely be playing in the AHL at this point. Who wouldn't find success in that environment?
That isn't to say that the young Russian isn't talented. He currently leads all QMJHL rookies with 10 goals and 38 points in 37 games. The top selection in the 2009 CHL Import Draft, Galiev has come as advertised: a wizard with the puck with the ability to thread a pass or score a goal through holes that no one else can see. Playing for the league's best team only improves his profile.
To view the full article click HERE.
With Galiev racking up so many assists it would seem that Hoffman and Peterson may also have him to thank for their high scores, not just the other way around.
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