It's been 10 years...

10 years ago tonight, most of you who are reading this post were likely not sitting around the house looking for things to do.

On April 30, 2010, Game 1 of the President Cup final took place at Harbour Station and for the first time in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League history, the championship series featured two teams from outside Quebec.

The Saint John Sea Dogs and Moncton Wildcats were destined to meet in the league final since January of that year. Saint John had basically already won the regular season crown thanks to their 22-game winning streak in the first half (which ended in Moncton) while the Wildcats were clear winners at the trade deadline, making some significant upgrades.

The Sea Dogs had a relatively smooth trip through the first three rounds of the playoffs with their only real trouble coming in the semifinals against a pesky Victoriaville Tigres team (shoutout to Kevin Poulin). The Wildcats, due to the league's wonky playoff setup used back then, were handed an extremely tough route to the league final, having to face Cape Breton (finished 7th overall in the league standings), Rouyn-Noranda (6th) and Drummondville (2nd).

Even though Saint John had the better regular season record, very few picked the Sea Dogs to win the final. And those people were correct. Moncton's veteran group rolled through the first two games before dozing off in Game 3. Saint John tied the series thanks to Nick Petersen's overtime goal at the Moncton Coliseum in Game 4, but even with the series tied, it still felt like Moncton was more in control.

The Wildcats went on to a 5-1 win at Harbour Station in Game 5 and the clinched the series back at the Coliseum, winning 7-4.

Deakin-Poot joining Axemen

Nicholas Deakin-Poot is sticking around the Maritimes.

The Georgetown, Ont. native has committed to the Acadia Axemen for the 2020-21 season. Deakin-Poot, who turned 21 in January, has spent the past three seasons with the Saint John Sea Dogs after a couple years in the Ontario Hockey League.

"We believe Nick’s play is tailor made for the AUS," Acadia head coach Darren Burns said. "He is in tremendous shape, fast, big and plays a 200-foot game. He is an excellent penalty killer who thrives in the face off circle. He is also a lot to handle in front of the opponent’s net. There’s no question he has a desire to always get better.”

Burns has seen a lot of Deakin-Poot over the past couple seasons. The long-time Acadia coach is the father of Sea Dogs forward Brady Burns and regularly attends Saint John home and away games.

Deakin-Poot recorded 14 goals and 19 assists in 51 games with the Sea Dogs this past season. He plays a hard, gritty style that, as Burns indicated, should make him a solid university level player.

The Axemen are coming off an excellent season that saw them fall to the UNB Reds in the AUS final. The team was poised for a strong showing at the University Cup - which they hosted in Halifax - but the event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic after the first day of action.

Nicolas Guay, who was part of Saint John's overage group until being traded in December, has committed to UNB for the upcoming season. Jeffrey Durocher, who came to the Sea Dogs in the Guay trade, committed to the Concordia Stingers in December.

There's been no word yet on Zachary Bouthillier's status for the 2020-21 campaign. The netminder was a 2018 draft pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs but has not signed with the club. His NHL rights expire this summer.

CHL season may end up backloaded

The Canadian Hockey League schedule could end up being very winter heavy this coming season, reports TSN's Bob McKenzie.

On the latest Insider Trader, McKenzie noted that the CHL may end up having a backload schedule due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"They could be looking at a season that is heavily backloaded after Christmas with teams that would normally play 34 home games, maybe only play 10 before Christmas and 24 after Christmas," said McKenzie. "So, lots on the table there."

Teams typically play half of their season schedule before the Christmas break - but having the CHL season start on time is looking unlikely given public health recommendations and government restrictions. Many jurisdictions across North American have banned large gatherings until at least the end of August.

UPDATE: The New Brunswick government announced today that "large festivals and concerts are still prohibited through to Dec. 31" but CBC noted that is subject to change.

It'll be interesting to see how the CHL leagues build their schedules. It seems like there are two routes: 1. build a normal season schedule (that's maybe backloaded more than usual?) and just move or cancel games that are unable to be played or 2. build several different schedules based on different start dates.

McKenzie also noted what has been brought up previously - the Memorial Cup could be pushed into early to mid June to give more time for regular season and playoff games. Oshawa and Sault Ste. Marie have both put hosting bids in.

Luneau leads list of top prospects

Embed from Getty Images

Kevin Chambers | SN Staff

The time has come to take a look at five of the top prospects available for the 2020 QMJHL Entry Draft. The Saint John Sea Dogs currently hold the fourth overall position, but that could change depending on what happens at the draft lottery, which is scheduled to take place May 6.

The pandemic shortened season has made things more of a challenge for scouts everywhere. Last year many will recall the rise of Justin Robidas after a fantastic playoff and Telus Cup tournament. Players won't have that extra exposure this year.

Here's a quick overview of five players who could end up hearing their name called early in June's draft.

No. 1 – Tristan Luneau – RD 
 6’0” 175lbs - Trois-Rivières Estacades
Luneau is from Trois-Rivières, Que. and has been the consensus No. 1 overall pick for most scouts throughout the season. Through 37 games this season, Luneau posted an impressive six goals and 24 assists. Luneau is considered an elite level two-way defender with a high hockey IQ. The smooth-skating D was also the captain of his hometown Estacades squad. Should a team draft Luneau they will still need to convince him to report as he is currently committed to the University of Wisconsin. Many believe Luneau will ultimately choose the QMJHL route - but we shall see.

 #2 – Antonin Verreault – LW/C 
 5’7” 142lbs – Saint Eustache Vikings
Verreault played with Luneau at the Youth Olympic Games and had a great tournament. Verreault has a small frame but doesn’t play with any fear. He has a very high hockey IQ and is a threat to score goals and set up his teammates. Verreault put up some excellent numbers with the Vikings, scoring 17 goals and adding 31 assists in 39 games. Verreault has the potential to put up big numbers in the QMJHL.

#3 – Michael Mastrodomenico – RD 
 6’0” 178lbs – Laval-Montreal Rousseau-Royal
 Mastrodomenico is an excellent skating, two-way defender. He can play big minutes; is reliable defensively; and he plays well in his own zone. He also makes a very good breakout pass to start a rush and his passing, in general, is considered a strength. Mastrodomenico tallied five goals and added 12 assists in 42 games with his midget club.

NHL Draft may still be held in June

Some Saint John Sea Dogs may end up hearing their name called at an NHL Draft in June after all.

According to multiple media reports - including this one from Elliotte Friedman - the NHL Draft, originally scheduled for June 26-27 in Montreal, may end up going ahead in virtual form even with the NHL season still on hold.

As Friedman reports, this idea presents a number of questions and issues that will need to be resolved on the NHL's side, but having the draft in June would also solve some potential future problems if it's pushed to a later date. Plus, it would provide some much needed fresh hockey content for all of us.

Several members of the Sea Dogs could have their names called - or however they plan to announce picks in this online format - at this year's NHL Draft. Four players were listed in NHL Central Scouting's final rankings of North American skaters:

No. 18 - Jeremie Poirier
No. 99 - William Villenueve
No. 179 - Charlie DesRoches
No. 207 - Brady Burns

The Sea Dogs were tied with eight other clubs for the fifth most players ranked amongst CHL teams. From the QMJHL, the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada and Cape Breton Eagles each had four players listed as well.

In Craig Button's final rankings, Poirier was ranked 21st amongst all players; Villeneuve was ranked 84th; and DesRoches 103rd.

Dobber Prospects, meanwhile, took a look at a number of QMJHL players eligible for this year's draft, including Josh Lawrence.

Sea Dogs to acquire two players

The Saint John Sea Dogs will be acquiring at least two players in the coming weeks.

Speaking on the team's Monday Night Mic'd Up program this week, Sea Dogs president and general manager Trevor Georgie said his club will be adding two players when the league's trading period opens up in early June.

"I can't disclose who they are yet but we have two new additions to the Sea Dogs lineup that we'll be able to announce closer to draft time," Georgie said.



Georgie added that the QMJHL's trading period will begin on June 3. The 2020 QMJHL Entry Draft is scheduled to take place June 5-6 online.

It's long been known the Sea Dogs would be acquiring at least one player from the Rimouski Oceanic to finalize the Jeffrey Durocher/Nicolas Guay deal. The second player Georgie is speaking of is a mystery, though. Saint John could use help at just about any position at this point, so the possibilities are near endless.

The Sea Dogs have never been an overly active team on the trade front at the draft, but the club has plenty of assets they could work with this year. We'll wait and see what happens.

Georgie also mentioned that the QMJHL's two-round American player draft will be held on Monday, June 8.

League announces draft details

The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League has confirmed details for its 2020 Entry Draft.

Up first will be the Draft Lottery, which the league announced will take place Wednesday, May 6. The lottery will determine the first five picks in this year's draft.

According to the league, "the Gatineau Olympiques (18 balls), the Saint John Sea Dogs (2 balls) and the Quebec Remparts (1 ball) will have the chance to land the first-overall pick."

Saint John has had great success in previous draft lotteries, winning six of the seven lottery style events they have been involved in. The club selected first overall in last year's draft, picking forward Joshua Roy.

This year's Entry Draft will be virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That's not the only significant change though, as the league also announced that this year's event will take place over two days like the NHL Draft.

From the league:

The 2020 QMJHL Entry Draft will be held on June 5 and 6, 2020. The first round will be presented live on the QMJHL’s Official YouTube Channel on Friday night. Rounds two to fourteen will continue the next day and will be accessible to our fans, the members of the media, as well as to QMJHL prospects and their families via the league’s website.

This 2020 QMJHL Entry Draft was originally scheduled to be held in Sherbrooke on June 6.

Report: Guay to join UNB

Nicolas Guay is returning to New Brunswick.

According to U Sports insider Victor Findlay, the former Saint John Sea Dogs captain will join the University of New Brunswick Reds for the upcoming 2020-21 season - whenever that actually begins.

Guay spent the first half of his overage season with the Sea Dogs, recording 16 goals and 26 assists in 35 games. He was dealt to the Rimouski Oceanic during the holiday trading period where he went on to record 11 goals and 13 helpers in 27 contests.

Hearing we have another commitment out of UNB.

I believe Rimouski Oceanic forward Nicolas Guay is set to join the UNB Reds for the '20-21 season.

Guay is a former 40G scorer and captain of Drummondville and Saint John in the QMJHL.

— Victor Findlay (@Finder_24) April 16, 2020

Guay was also captain of the Drummondville Voltigeurs for a couple seasons before joining the Sea Dogs. He joins a long list of former CHL captains on the Reds.

UNB, who are coming off an AUS championship and were the top seed at the University Cup before being cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, could see a lot of turnover this season. Former Sea Dog Stephen Anderson has played his final year of eligibility while Matt Murphy is not expected to return, which UNB Hockey Fans notes. Ex-Dog Oliver Cooper has one year of eligibility remaining but may not return.

Former Sea Dogs who could return to UNB for the 2020-21 campaign include Cooper, Olivier LeBlanc, Samuel Dove-McFalls and Benjamin Gagne.

Guay joins a recruiting class that appears as though it will include two OHL standouts in Austen Keating and Jason Willms, according to Findlay.

Former Sea Dogs forward Robbie Burt, meanwhile, will be joining the OUA's Windsor Lancers. Burt, who spent the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons in Saint John, recorded 28 goals and 12 assists in 45 games with the MHL's Amherst Ramblers this past season.

Draft lottery to take place in early May

The Saint John Sea Dogs will find out where their first selection is in the 2020 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Entry Draft within the next few weeks.

Steve Turcotte of Le Nouvelliste tweeted Wednesday night that the QMJHL's Draft Lottery, which was originally scheduled to take place last week, will happen sometime between May 4-10.

LHJMQ: la loterie pour le prochain repêchage devrait se dérouler entre le 4 et le 10 mai. Possible que ce soit sur les ondes de TVA Sports, ou encore à huis clos avec diffusion sur Facebook. Ça va dépendre des annonces gouvernementales à venir.

— steve turcotte (@steveturcotte) April 15, 2020

Stephane Leroux of RDS, meanwhile, reported Wednesday that the lottery will take place between May 4-15. Either way, we'll know in early May what the selection order will look like for the Entry Draft. When will that draft be? It sounds like it will stay on its original date, June 6, but, as the league already confirmed, will take place entirely online.

En ce qui concerne le repêchage LHJMQ, la date du 6 juin est toujours la bonne. Mais ça ne sera pas à Sherbrooke, ce sera via Internet...

— steve turcotte (@steveturcotte) April 15, 2020

The Sea Dogs have a 9.5% chance of winning the right to select first overall in this year's draft. Saint John selected first overall in 2019 (Joshua Roy) and second overall in 2018 (William Villeneuve).

Prise 2.

Voici les détails de la loterie du prochain repêchage.

Gatineau 9 chances sur 21 (42,9%)
Gatineau 6 sur 21 (28,6%)
Gatineau 3 sur 21 (14,3%)
Saint-Jean 2 sur 21 (9,5%)
Québec 1 sur 21 (4,8%)

Les @LesOlympiques auront donc 86% des chances de repêcher 1er. #tvasports

— Mikaël Lalancette (@MLalancetteTVA) March 17, 2020

The Sea Dogs also own the Baie-Comeau Drakkar's first round pick.

Not much change in Sea Dogs attendance

Officially, the numbers are down. Unofficially, the numbers are up. No matter which way you look at it, the numbers are pretty much unchanged from this time a year ago.

With RDS noting today that the London Knights overtook the Quebec Remparts as the Canadian Hockey League's most attended team in 2019-20, it feels like a good time to take a look at the Saint John Sea Dogs' attendance figures from this past season.

Like most 2019-20 stats, there will be an asterisk attached since the regular season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Sea Dogs had two home games remaining - two home games that typically feature the largest crowds of the season.

The Sea Dogs' attendance was officially down almost 100 fans per game compared to the 2018-19 season. Unofficially, if we assume Saint John's final two games would have attracted 5,000 fans per game on average, that would give the Dogs a season average of 3,442, which is up slightly from last season's mark of 3,427. Either way, Saint John's attendance figures saw little change over the past couple seasons.

Here's a breakdown of Saint John's attendance numbers through the years.

Season	Total	Average
2005-06	156,694	4,477 (4th)
2006-07	134,354	3,839 (6th)
2007-08	139,214	3,978 (5th)
2008-09	133,613	3,930 (5th)
2009-10	140,779	4,141 (4th)
2010-11	152,237	4,478 (4th)
2011-12	155,060	4,561 (3rd)
2012-13	135,732	3,992 (4th)
2013-14	116,380	3,423 (5th)
2014-15	121,782	3,582 (5th)
2015-16	123,399	3,629 (4th)
2016-17	142,829	4,201 (3rd)
2017-18	144,723	4,257 (4th)
2018-19	116,511	3,427 (5th)
2019-20	107,042	3,345 (6th)

Due to the cancelled pair of games, this season's average of 3,345 will officially be the lowest in team history. The good news is that the Sea Dogs should start to see an upward trend - hopefully a fairly large one - in attendance given the projection for the on-ice product. But like basically everything else in life, COVID-19 will create some uncertainty around junior hockey attendance.

Courteau comments on QMJHL's return

An article posted today by La Presse has shed some light on many of the questions surrounding the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's return.

The highlights from the interview with league commissioner Gilles Courteau:

• The good news: no players or coaches, to the league's knowledge, have tested positive for COVID-19. This is especially good news given how bad the spread of the virus has been in parts of Quebec.
• As expected, the QMJHL is looking at a number of scenarios for a return to play, with the 2020-21 season starting anywhere between September to January.
• One of the largest challenges for the QMJHL - and the entire CHL - will perhaps be starting everyone back up at the same time. Each province and state is currently doing their own thing, which could mean some places will be ready for a return while others may not be. Getting players across provincial lines and back to their teams could even be an issue.
• Another question that has come up: will all 18 teams return to play when the season resumes? Courteau says yes - but did note that some owners may face challenges depending on what goes on with their other businesses. Sponsorship revenue could also be tricky given what the business world is expected to look like post-lockdown. 
• Perhaps the most notable thing brought up is a change to the league's schedule, which were apparently planned before this pandemic. Courteau said there will be more back-to-back games in the same cities for teams to reduce travel and expenses. He also noted that there may be more games against divisional opponents (which would be more of a factor for the Quebec based clubs).
• Would the league play in front of empty buildings? Courteau confirmed what we speculated the other day: it's not happening. It just doesn't make any sense for the league's business model, which relies on ticket revenue.

The Quebec government made headlines a few days ago when they called for a cancellation of all public sporting and cultural events until Aug. 31. While the fine print of the announcement seemed to leave the door open for junior hockey training camps, common sense says the league is probably not going to be able to get things going on time.

The next major event for the QMJHL is the draft lottery and entry draft. The league has not confirmed dates for either event. The draft was to be held on June 6 in Sherbrooke but it has since been replaced by a virtual draft.

Things aren't looking good

It's been just under a month since the Canadian Hockey League followed the rest of the sports world and paused their season due to the coronavirus pandemic. Since that March 12 announcement, the regular season, playoffs and Memorial Cup have all been cancelled.

With the 2019-20 season officially behind us, it's time to start looking forward to next season. What next season will look like is the big question.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's press conference on Thursday did not bring great news for sports fans, saying that some kinds of social distancing guidelines would likely be in place until a vaccine for COVID-19 is created, which is apparently anywhere from six months to two years away.

While the strong social distancing measures that are currently in place will likely be relaxed in the coming weeks and months, it's hard to imagine large gatherings of people - like junior hockey games - being permitted to take place if the threat of COVID-19 is still there. There are also two more waves of the virus expected to come, including a second one in the fall.

Many jurisdictions across North American have already banned large gatherings until at least July and more and more reports are coming out of leagues trying to figure out how to get games going again but with no fans in the building.

Playing in front of no fans seems like the easiest route to getting professional sports up and running again. There are obviously still a lot of logistical hurdles, but it seems like the simplest and safest option. That's great for leagues that can count of massive sponsorship deals and television contracts to pay the bills but it's not great for leagues that rely on ticket revenue to survive.