What was reported yesterday was made official today.
The American Hockey League’s Oklahoma City Barons cut seven players today – including Saint John Sea Dogs captain Mike Thomas. News 88.9 reported that the 20-year old would be returning to New Brunswick for another season yesterday.
Also cut from the Edmonton Oilers affiliate were Jarret Lukin, James Livingston and Dave Bonk, defensemen Brennan Barker and Sean Erickson along with goaltender Wayne Savage.
Thomas was invited to Edmonton Oilers rookie camp this past September and then advanced to the Oilers' main camp. He was later moved to Edmonton’s AHL affiliate in Oklahoma City as a free agent at training camp.
According to today’s Telegraph-Journal, Thomas will be returning from his tryout sometime tonight. It isn’t clear if he will play Friday night against the Moncton Wildcats but he will almost certainly play some time this weekend. The Sea Dogs host the Wildcats Friday and Montreal Juniors Sunday.
Thomas appears to be a lock as a 20-year old along with center Michael Kirkpatrick. The Sea Dogs seem content to keep goaltender Karel St. Laurent and release Christian Morin. Morin, a defenseman, is expected to join the St. Thomas Tommies of the Atlantic University ranks.
It isn’t known when the Sea Dogs will make their decision on the overage situation.
One thing we can’t help but wonder is if the Dogs are waiting to see what happens to Halifax Mooseheads 20-year old net minder Peter Delmas. Delmas is currently at Hamilton Bulldogs training camp as a free agent and has yet to sign a contract. It isn’t clear if he will return to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League again.
The Sea Dogs have not stated any concerns over their goaltending publicly, but unless St. Laurent or Frederic Piche steps up big time, it will need to be improved if Saint John is planning on making a run.
So Glad Mike is back with his grit. I say go with Piche and promote a young goalie Cut Carey St Laurent already!!!
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