MONCTON – On the opening day of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League pre-season, two rivals faceoff tonight in the Hub City.
The 2011 President’s Cup Champion Saint John Sea Dogs travel to Moncton to take on the 2010 President’s Cup Champion Wildcats. Game time is 7pm at the Red Ball Internet Centre.
Tonight’s match is the first of a home-and-home series. The two teams play each other again tomorrow night at 7pm at Harbour Station.
Both teams will be using young and inexperienced lineups this evening. Saint John released their projected lineup last night and forwards Aidan Kelly, Jason Cameron and Brock Morrison along with defenseman Spencer MacDonald were the only players listed who saw ice time with the Sea Dogs last season.
Oliver Cooper, the Sea Dogs’ top pick in June’s QMJHL Entry Draft, is expected to play this evening (UPDATE: He isn't listed on the rosters posted on the Wildcats website). The Wildcats’ top pick, Brandon Shea, is likely to miss this weekend’s action with a minor hip flexor injury, reports the Times & Transcript.
"I've had this happen in the past and I know it will only take a couple of days of rest to get better," said Shea. "It's disappointing that I can't play (tonight), but I would rather get my hip better now than wait until the season starts.”
The T&T also reports that import netminder Roman Will, who was selected 29th overall in the 2011 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft, is expected to start tonight.
The Sea Dogs’ goaltending situation is one of the more intriguing parts of Saint John training camp. At the moment, Mathieu Corbeil is the No. 1 ‘tender heading into the season. Who is backup will be is the big question.
Tonight Alex Fournier, a 5th round pick in the 2011 draft, and Richard Tingley, a 5th round selection in 2009, will guard the cage for the Dogs this evening.
Tonight’s contest will not be streamed online or aired on the radio. Fans can, however, follow along with the SN Live Blog for coverage.
Photo Credit: SeaDogsTV
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