RECAP: Sea Dogs Win 5-2

FINAL: Halifax 2, Saint John 5

By Kevin Chambers | SN Staff

SAINT JOHN - The Sea Dogs opened their 2015-16 campaign with a solid 5-2 victory over the Halifax Mooseheads on Saturday night at Harbour Station.  

The Sea Dogs got off to a great start with two early goals off the stick of newcomer Sam Povorozniouk. The Mooseheads replied with a goal off the stick of Connor Moynihan.

The second period saw another quick strike taking just 45 seconds for Daniel Del Paggio to bulge the twine making it 3-1 for the Sea Dogs in a rather uneventful period.

Halifax had the quick strike in the third period taking just 2:06 for Danny Moynihan to get the Mooseheads back within one. Than the exceptional happened - Joe Veleno scored his first QMJHL goal on a nice feed from Povorozniouk to restore the two-goal cushion. Matthew Highmore sealed the deal making it 5-2 with under seven minutes to play in the period.

For a full recap, visit the Sea Dogs website.

NOTES  

• The video montage to kick off the season included plenty of pyro, some fireworks along and some Nickelback.
• The players that were not able to attend the game had young players - mostly from their billet family - skate out in their place.
• During the player introductions, Samuel Dove-McFalls drew a large applause when he skated back to help one of the young kids onto the ice.
• Ben Reid was the last player announced and was given a loud cheer from the locals.
• Joe Veleno started the game at centre on a line with Sam Povorozniouk and Daniel Del Paggio.
• Samuel Dove-McFalls was the captain for the game.
• Former Sea Dog Kelly Bent attempted to throw a big hit on Oliver Felixson only to get the worst of the hit, droping to the ice.
• The Sea Dogs’ top power play unit went with four forwards using Veleno, Povorozniouk, Highmore and Dove-McFalls.
• Attendance - 3956
• Joe Veleno has become the first player born in the new millennium to score in the CHL.
• Here is video of Veleno’s goal.
• Marc-Antoine Turcotte made some outstanding saves throughout the game. He was injured on the first Halifax goal but did stay in the game.
• In the regular season and pre-season combined this year, the Mooseheads are now 0-5-0-2.

STATS

TURNING POINT

The turning point of the game was the third period goal by Joe Veleno. Halifax was starting to push hard after making it a one-goal game. The Veleno goal took the wind out of Mooseheads sails and Highmore ultimately capped the night off.

SN PLAYERS OF THE GAME

1. Sam Povorozniouk

2. Marc-Antoine Turcotte

3. Matthew Highmore

TWEET OF THE NIGHT

Imagine this team when the Sabres send Jack Eichel down!!!!!!1

— Jamie Tozer (@station_nation) September 13, 2015

(Ed. Note: this was picked by Kevin)

NEXT GAME

The Sea Dogs host the Moncton Wildcats tomorrow at 3 p.m.

Photo: Marc Henwood/Station Nation