Notebook: Free Game In Bathurst

There should be a good crowd on hand to watch Friday’s Sea Dogs pre-season game in Bathurst. From the Titan website:

Indeed, the Titan Foundation announced that the game on Friday, August 21st against the Saint John Sea Dogs at the K.C. Irving Regional Centre will offer free admission to all fans of all ages. The only thing the Titan Foundation is hoping for from fans, is that they will make a donation to the Club Richelieu whom will be present at the game to raise funds. Fans will have full liberty to give whichever amount they so choose, knowing that every little bit helps make a positive contribution to their community.

It’s looking like Saint John’s free pre-season game model is beginning to catch on elsewhere.

TICKETS

The Sea Dogs sent out a news release today reminding fans that tickets to all 34 of Saint John’s regular season home games go on-sale to the general public this Saturday at 12 p.m.

Tickets will also be available to season ticket and flex package holders beginning this Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Harbour Station Box Office.

More details can be found on the Sea Dogs website.

SMALLWOOD STAYING IN SAINT JOHN

Defenseman Ian Smallwood has made a nice impression at Sea Dogs training camp over the past week.

A ninth-round pick of the Sea Dogs in this year’s QMJHL Entry Draft, Smallwood had a goal and two assists in Saint John’s pre-season opener last Thursday. Last season with the Notre Dame Hounds, the 16-year-old registered four goals and 11 assists in 36 games. He added a goal and an assist in six playoff games.

The Telegraph-Journal (paywall) reported today that Smallwood could be staying in Saint John with the Vito’s if he doesn’t earn a spot on the Sea Dogs’ crowded backend. The midget AAA team is hosting the Telus Cup in April.

BENT STAYING IN HALIFAX

Former Sea Dogs forward Kelly Bent will be one of Halifax’s three overage players this season.

Mooseheads overagers this season will be Kelly Bent, Danny Moynihan, Eric Brassard after Brandon Vuic and Sam LeBlanc were cut.

— Briggins (@briggins) August 17, 2015

Bent spent the 2013-14 season with Saint John, recording four goals and two assists in 56 games. With Halifax last year he went on to record two goals and nine assists in 58 games. The Halifax native added two goals and two assists in 14 playoff games.

Bent is known for being a pest rather than his point producing ability. He’ll surely be noticeable when the Sea Dogs play him this season.

BOWERS OFF TO USHL

For all the non-believers out there, it looks like Shane Bowers is indeed heading to Waterloo of the United States Hockey League.

Thanks family and friends for an awesome summer in Hali! Excited to start camp an open a new chapter with @BlckHawksHockey this week!!

— Shane Bowers (@shanebowers15) August 17, 2015

Bowers, of course, was selected fourth overall at this year’s QMJHL Entry Draft by the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles but did not report to camp.

GRANT PUSHING THINGS

Via John Moore, here’s former Sea Dogs captain Alex Grant pushing and hitting things in some alley.

Shout out to Wilsons Fuel. Some solid tanks there.

Photo: Marc Henwood/Station Nation