Friday, September 2, 2011

Sea Dogs Notebook

PICHE WITHOUT A HOME
Former Sea Dogs goaltender Frederic Piche, who is entering his overage season, was cut by the Halifax Mooseheads today.

News 95.7 reports that “Mooseheads GM Cam Russell says Piche will remain on the team’s 50-man protected which allows the team to shop him on the trade market.”

The move was expected as the Herd needed to cut down on their number of overage players and already have a solid young goaltending tandem in place with Anthony Terenzio and Zachary Fucale.

Piche was acquired by the Sea Dogs last fall. He went 14-2-2 with Saint John and had a 0.910 save percentage and a 2.56 goals against average. He was traded to Halifax during the holiday trading period in the deal that saw Mathieu Corbeil come to the Sea Dogs.

ROOKIE SHOWCASE
Jonathan Huberdeau along with other top prospects took part in the NHLPA’s Rookie Showcase event earlier this week in Toronto. According to the NHLPA’s website, Simon Despres also took part.

The event was highlighted by Tuesday’s photo-shoot with trading card companies Upper Deck and Panini.

“No, I didn’t practise,” said Huberdeau to the National Post about his rookie card photos. “Maybe no smile, you know? I don’t know how it’s going to be. Maybe serious?”

“It’s just nice to be here,” he said. “That you can have your rookie card, it’s a good idea that they do. You collect a lot of cards when you’re young, and now you can have your own.”

Huberdeau sported his usual No. 11 on his Florida Panthers sweater.

Here’s Huberdeau speaking to NHL.com about the event:




SEASON-TICKET PROMO
SeaDogsTV posted this promo for season-tickets yesterday featuring some unreal music.



DESPRES UPDATE
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette spoke with Simon Despres while he was in Toronto for the Rookie Showcase Event. Rogers Sportsnet has some of the article posted on their website (the PPG is being a joke and makes buying a subscription a requirement).

"I feel pretty good about training camp," Despres said.

"I worked really hard the past few weeks, and the past few months. I feel confident going into camp. If [I don't make the team], then I'll go to Wilkes-Barre.

"My mindset is that it's going to be tough, and that's a good thing because I'll work harder. With a lot of competition like that, it will make me want it more."

The QMJHL’s reigning defenseman of the year is eligible to play another year of junior but the chances of that happening are extremely slim.

HUBERDEAU TOPS PANTHERS LIST
Hockey’s Future has named Jonathan Huberdeau the prospect in the Florida Panthers system.

“Huberdeau brings electricity to the ice,” writes Brian Fogarty. “He has good size, great hands, and a keen hockey sense to go with his creativity. Perhaps lost amongst his offensive accolades and skills packages are his defensive abilities and work ethic. His all-star potential, compete level and other intangibles put him a step above the rest of the impressive talent in the Florida system.”

SOFTER PADS ARE COMING
According to CBC New Brunswick, both the Sea Dogs and Moncton Wildcats have confirmed that they will be using softer pads this season.

The Ontario Hockey League announced a few days ago that all of their players will wear soft cap shoulder and elbow pads for the 2011-12 season. The CBC reports that the QMJHL is expected to make a similar announcement.

THE BIG QUESTION
Rory Boylen of The Hockey News wrote a bit time column on something that will make Saint John fans quite happy – why the Panthers must send Jonathan Huberdeau back to junior.
If anything, letting a player marinate only gives him experience points and provides a source of motivation. And if you’re a team like the Panthers, who have time and again put players above their heads to lay the groundwork for a record 10-season playoff drought, a quick promotion is not the move for you.
It’s a must read.

Meanwhile, Huberdeau spoke to the Globe and Mail about the topic earlier this week.

“My goal is to play this year, but I don't know yet if I'm ready,” said Huberdeau about making the Panthers. “I've never played against NHL players. We'll see out there.

“If I'm ready, for sure, I want to do the job right now.”

HUBERDEAU AUTOGRAPH
Lastly, here is some kid explaining his autographed Jonathan Huberdeau mini-stick.



Photo Credits: Marc Henwood/Station Nation, Twitter

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