AUGER HAS STRONG DAY AT CAMP

(Editors Note: JT's in Boston this weekend - meaning you are stuck with me. It's sure to be a weekend filled with press releases and wrong information.)

PRESS RELEASE

A Thursday night concert at Harbour Station meant a change of venue for Day Three of Saint John Sea Dogs Training Camp, with the Stu Hurley Arena playing host to a trio of on-ice sessions in which current and aspiring members of the Port City’s major junior squad did their best to distinguish themselves.

In addition to a pair of practices, the forty players currently attending camp partook in some strenuous off-ice workouts at nearby Simonds High School during the morning hours. Athletic Therapist Jeff Kelly oversaw the intense calisthenics routines (in which cardiovascular assessments were made) and was impressed at the level of fitness this year’s training camp attendees possess.

“Everyone at camp this year is in great shape,” Kelly said following the morning sessions. “Our returning players have all improved their fitness levels during the off-season and the young guys are all clearly committed to their conditioning.”

The second scrimmage of 2010 Training Camp was staged on Thursday afternoon, with Team White exacting revenge upon their navy-clad opponents by earning a 5-1 victory to tie their series with Team Blue up at one win apiece. Team White goaltender Sebastien Auger, 16, turned in a sensational performance in the game’s second half, holding Team Blue scoreless during thirty minutes of action while making several highlight-reel-caliber saves.

“I felt pretty good out there today, I was seeing the puck quite well,” Auger said after the scrimmage. “I’m really enjoying my time at training camp here in Saint John. Hopefully I can build on my performance from today in the coming days.”

Sea Dogs Training Camp moves back to Harbour Station on Friday, with a pair of morning skates set to be held on the team’s home ice surface. These pracitices (10:00am & 11:15am) are both open to the public. The 6th Annual Blue-White Intrasquad game will take place on Friday night (puck drop: 7pm), also at Harbour Station. Admission to this evening contest is free, with fans being asked to bring a non-perishable food item with them to donate to charity.