FROM SEA DOGS TO DESERT DOGS

The 2009 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Entry Draft was a successful one for the Saint John Sea Dogs. With two first round picks, it was key that the team had the right personnel running the show. But with Gerard Gallant and Mike Kelly not with the team the previous season, all eyes turned to Director of Player Development Norm Gosselin.

With Gosselin at the helm, Saint John drafted six players at the draft who would play at least one game for the Sea Dogs team that lost in the President’s Cup Final in six games.

But now, just as the best players from the QMJHL do, the former head scout is headed into the ranks of the National Hockey League. Gosselin joined the Phoenix Coyotes today as an amateur scout who will, according to a Sea Dogs press release, be in charge of “scouting junior-aged players in Quebec as well as the Maritime provinces.”

“This is definitely a bittersweet day for us,” said Sea Dogs President Wayne Long in the release. “We’re obviously sad to see Norm leave the Sea Dogs but we’re thrilled that he’s been given the opportunity to work in the National Hockey League. Norm is a first-class individual and he definitely deserves a lot of credit for our recent success. We wish him nothing but the best of luck with the Coyotes.”

Gosselin has been with Saint John’s major junior team since their inception in 2005. He served as Head Scout until April 29, 2009 when he was promoted to Director of Player Development.

Prior to joining the Dogs, Gosselin served time as General Manager and Head Coach of the Sherbrooke Castors/Lewiston MAINEiacs and worked for the Val-d’Or Foreurs, Shawinigan Cataractes, and Cape Breton Screaming Eagles during his 20 year career in QMJHL management/coaching.

“Norm has proven to be a strong evaluator of talent and will be an asset to our amateur scouting department,” said Coyotes General Manager Don Maloney.

Although Gosselin is no longer with the Sea Dogs organization, his fingerprints (and mustache) are all the team. His expertise in the scouting world will allow the Dogs to reap many benefits for years to come.