READY FOR ROUND ONE

By Bert Richardson
Station Nation Staff

DRUMMONDVILLE - In their five year franchise history, the Saint John Sea Dogs know all about the first round of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League entry draft.

The Sea Dogs have drafted five times in the first round and only once have not owned a pick in the opening session. That was made up a year ago by the team holding two picks in round one.

Saint John has selected first overall three times – selecting Alex Grant in 2005, Yann Sauve in 2006, and Simon Despres in 2007. Also in 2007, the Dogs took Steven Anthony 10th overall by trading their 2008 top pick to the Quebec Remparts.

In the 2009 QMJHL Entry Draft in Cape Breton, Pierre Durepos was selected with the 10th overall selection and Jonathan Huberdeau was taken 18th overall, a pick that was acquired from the Drummondville Voltigeurs.

Saint John will look to retake the magic that happened a year ago this morning as they will pick their player with the final selection of the first round (18th overall).

Here is a list of Saint John’s selections – pending any trades:

ROUND 1 – 18th Overall
ROUND 3 – 44th Overall
ROUND 3 – 54th Overall
ROUND 4 – 55th Overall
ROUND 5 – 74th Overall
ROUND 6 – 91st Overall
ROUND 7 – 120th Overall
ROUND 8 – 128th Overall
ROUND 8 - 144th overall
ROUND 9 – 151st Overall
ROUND 9 – 162nd Overall
ROUND 10 – 180th Overall
ROUND 11 – 198th Overall

As seen above, the Port City squad has a healthy mix of top draft choices that will be used today. Teams are permitted to trade throughout the draft, meaning that Saint John could easily trade up or trade down if need be.

The Sea Dogs showed last year that talented players can be found with a late first round pick. Huberdeau was a stud with team last year, making an impact all season and quickly moving up the Sea Dogs’ depth charts.

QMJHL Central Scouting currently has goaltender Jacob Brennan, currently playing inHalifax, slated to go in the number 18 position. But the net minder told the Chronicle Herald that he will likely not play in the league if drafted.

"I thought about (major junior) compared to NCAA and I’ve decided to go NCAA," Brennan said. "I’d say there could be some teams that would be able to convince me but right now
I’m not planning on that."

Saint John certainly needs to make some of decision on their goaltending today. Karel St. Laurent is a solid backup, but no team really wants to waste a overage slot on a man who sits on the bench. Although he could take over next season, he has not proven that he can carry a team.

The Sea Dogs have a few net minders in their system, but none are dominating their respective leagues.

It will be interesting to see what kind of moves the Dogs make today. Coming off a regular season title, Saint John will be no pushover once again next season. But with the thoughts of hosting the 2012 Memorial Cup creeping in, will the Dogs put their focus on next year opposed to this year?

The draft begins at 11:00am ADT at Drummondville’s Marcel Dionne Centre.