DOUBLEHEADER GOES TODAY

The Saint John Sea Dogs and Saint John Vito's have teamed up today for a doubleheader at Harbour Station.

Game One of the double bill will begin at 1:00pm and will feature the Vito’s taking on the Moncton Flyers. The second match of the day will pit the Sea Dogs versus the Moncton Wildcats (puck drop: 7pm) in Game 5 of the 2009-10 Brunswick News Rivalry Cup Challenge.

“We’re very excited about holding this promotion in partnership with the Vito’s,” says Sea Dogs President Wayne Long in a release. “They’re a great organization that does a wonderful job of developing young hockey players. We’re proud to be able to stage a unique event such as this with a fellow Port City-based team, and we’re looking forward to what should be an exciting day of hockey at the Station.”

With the purchase of a general admission seat to the Vito’s – Flyers game ($5), fans will receive a complimentary voucher redeemable for a $6 upper bowl ticket to the Sea Dogs – Wildcats game (Section 7, 8, or 9 only).

In the 2009-10 Brunswick News Rivalry Cup standings, Moncton and Saint John are currently deadlocked at 8.5 points apiece after Thursday’s brimming-with-drama contest. The Sea Dogs’ shootout win added two points to their season-long total, with Fleaburn improving to 2-0 versus Wild Willie in mascot challenges and picking up an additional point for his team/city. Moncton, meanwhile, earned four Rivalry Cup points (one for an overtime loss, three for a sellout) on the final day of 2009.

"They came into our building and beat us," said Moncton general manager Bill Schurman to the Times & Transcript. "Now, we owe them one (tonight) in their building. We're fierce competitors, but these clubs also have a healthy respect for each other."

Members of Sea Dogs Nation are invited to bring non-perishable food items with them on Saturday as part of the Rivalry Cup Holiday Food Drive. The Wildcats held a similar drive on Thursday. Whichever team receives the most donations (determined by weight) will receive five (5) Rivalry Cup points.