SEA DOGS NOTEBOOK

ANTHONY MOVING ON DOWN
Steven Anthony’s second half struggles have caught the attention of Hockey’s Future. Anthony was named to the “trailing the play” section in a recent article looking at succeeding and depleting prospects. Here is what they had to say:

Anthony emerged as one of the top forwards for St. John to start the season. The 19-year-old ranked second on the team through the first third of the season with 24 points in 24 games. Recently, the skilled winger hit a rough patch culminating in an 11-game scoreless drought in January and February with a -5 rating over that time. He may be bouncing back as he cracked the score sheet with two goals in his last three games, bringing his season total to 18 goals and 41 points in 58 games.

The talent-laden Sea Dogs line-up remains atop the league standings despite Anthony's offensive struggles. They will have a target on their back as the top team and will need all hands on deck heading into the playoffs.

NO RESPECT FROM PICTOU COUNTY
The Pictou County newspaper The News (worst newspaper name ever?), produced a nominee for the Station Nation “worst article from a major media source” today. The article itself is well very well down, with some interviews from Mike Kelly and Gerard Gallant. Click HERE to view the article.

The title says all you need to know: “St. John’s Sea Dogs coaches share words of wisdom with local counterparts”

Luckily, “Russell” said it all in the comments section:

You're a Maritimer, right? If so, you should really know the difference between "St. John’s" and "Saint John." Two different cities, two different provinces. Only one of them has a QMJHL team called the Sea Dogs.

APRIL FOOLS
PRESS RELEASE
Hartford Wolf Pack general manager Jim Schoenfeld announced today that the Wolf Pack have signed forward Mike Hoffman to an American Hockey League contract.

The news broke on Twitter last night that the Sea Dogs’ forward Mike Hoffman had signed with the Wolf Pack. Ahhh... wrong Mike Hoffman.

Last time we checked, the Saint John Hoffman is not a 29-year old journeyman.

AWARDS STUFF
PRESS RELEASE
Saint John Sea Dogs Director of Hockey Operations Mike Kelly announced on Wednesday a partial list of nominees for the club’s 2009-10 Team Awards. A list of award nominees can be found below:

IRVING OIL TEAM PLAYER: #21 Kevin Gagné , #45 Yann Sauvé, #17 Mike Thomas
TIM HORTONS MOST IMPROVED PLAYER: #11 Jonathan Huberdeau, #91 Tomas Jurco, #51 Zack Phillips
SAINT JOHN AIRPORT AUTHORITY ACADEMIC PLAYER OF THE YEAR: # 16 Steven Anthony, #10 Michael Kirkpatrick, #45 Yann Sauvé
SCOTIABANK COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD: #47 Simon Després, #51 Zack Phillips, #17 Mike Thomas

Other awards that will be handed out on Monday include the Coca-Cola Top Scorer Award, the Children’s Wish Foundation Fan Choice Award, and the Alpine Three Stars Award. The Sea Dogs’ Bell Aliant Most Valuable Player, Investors Group Top Defenseman, and Rookie of the Year will be named upon the conclusion of the 2010 President’s Cup Playoffs.

LOTS OF TIME TO STUDY
PRESS RELEASE
After compiling the latest school results, team academic consultants from around the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League today released the names of the Scholastic Players of the Month for February. This initiative’s goal, which was developed by the QMJHL and its member clubs, is to recognize student athletes’ performances both on the ice and in the classroom.

The Saint John Sea Dogs' award winner is captain Mike Thomas, who is currently serving a six-game suspension. Thomas is taking classes at the University of New Brunswick Saint John Campus.

“Michael has excellent marks in all his assignments and exams,” read a report issued by the league. “His instructors believe he is consistent and hard-working.”