Some Leap Day news & notes

Eduardo Ibarra/Saint Mary's Huskies

HALIFAX - It'll be an all-New Brunswick affair in the Atlantic University Sport men's hockey championship.

The best-of-three series will feature the undefeated UNB Reds going up against the Universite de Moncton Aigles Bleus. The series begins on Saturday in Fredericton.

The Reds, who went 30-0 in the regular season and swept the Saint Mary's Huskies in their lone playoff series, feature former Saint John Sea Dogs Kale McCallum and Nick Blagden. The Reds are, of course, coached by Gardiner MacDougall, who led the Sea Dogs to the 2022 Memorial Cup championship.

UdeM finished second in the AUS standings but were 25 points back of UNB with a 16-11-3-0 record. They swept StFX in their lone playoff series. The Aigles Bleus feature former Sea Dogs forward Jeremie Jacob.

Both teams have automatically qualified for this year's University Cup, which will be held March 14-17 in Toronto.

The teams for the 2024 University Cup in Toronto are set!

- UNB Reds
- Moncton Aigles-Bleus
- UQTR Patriotes
- McGill Redbirds
- TMU Bold
- Brock Badgers
- Calgary Dinos
- UBC Thunderbirds

Conference winners will be seeded 1-3.

Puck drop March 14 on @cbcsports pic.twitter.com/PVg1411z20

— Ben Steiner (@BenSteiner00) February 28, 2024

A few other things...

• It's Feb. 29, a day the Sea Dogs have played only once on in franchise history. Just a couple weeks before the COVID shutdown in 2020, the Sea Dogs defeated the Cape Breton Eagles 5-4 on Leap Day at TD Station.
• The Baie-Comeau Drakkar, who will take on the Sea Dogs on Friday at TD Station, are ranked No. 1 in this week's CHL Top 10 rankings.
• With six home games remaining, the Sea Dogs are averaging 2,747 fans per game. A disappointing number no doubt, but a big final few games could still get them at or above last year's mark of 2,957.
• QMJHL Central Scouting has unveiled its second rankings for this year's QMJHL Entry Draft, which will take place June 7-8 at Moncton's Avenir Centre. The list of 90 players are projected to be picked in the first five rounds.
• 20-year-old defenseman Artem Grushnikov, the prospect involved in Wednesday's Chris Tavev deal between Calgary and Dallas, played with the Hamilton Bulldogs at the 2022 Memorial Cup in Saint John.
• Via HockeyFights.com, here's the fight between Reid Calder and Lukas Landry last Saturday in Drummondville.

Talking 'bout games played

HALIFAX - Something to consider about the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League's upcoming schedule reduction: it just became harder to break a lot of team and league records.

The QMJHL will be moving to a 64-game schedule next season, a reduction of four games from the 68-game schedule the league has had since 2008.

The most obvious record that will become more challenging: games played. 

The Saint John Sea Dogs franchise record for games played belongs to Spencer Smallman, who played 293 games over five seasons. Players entering the league next season could reach a maximum of 320 games if they play five seasons. Smallman's record could still be broken, but there is less room for error now.

One Sea Dogs record that likely won't be broken anytime soon: games played in a single season. Saint John played three 70-game seasons when the franchise was born and a number of players — some big names at that — played full seasons.

Only two Sea Dogs have played in all 57 games with the team this year: Pavel Simek and Nicolas Bilodeau.

On the topic of games played, it's worth noting that Brody Fournier could become a statistical oddity this year. Because of the uneven amount of games Saint John and Halifax had played at the time of his acquisition, Fournier could end up playing in 70 games this regular season. He's appeared in 59 with 11 games left to play.

The league record for games played in a single season? One of the players listed above: Jonathan Laberge, who played in 76 games in 2007-08 split between Cape Breton and Bathurst.

Notebook: What are those?

If anybody purchases a pair of these shoes from the very reputable "banantees," please send us a review.

STANDINGS UPDATE
Who will take the final playoff spot in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League? It's like it will be a race between the Saint John Sea Dogs and Quebec Remparts.

With 11 games to play, both teams have 42 points and sit in a tie for 16th overall. The top-16 teams in the QMJHL standings qualify for the playoffs.

It may not be the prettiest race to the finish line for the Sea Dogs and Remparts. Both clubs are just 1-7-2-0 in their last 10 games. It's not impossible for the Val-d'Or Foreurs to get back into the race, but being seven points back at this stage is a big hill to climb.

The Sea Dogs will face the Baie-Comeau Drakkar and Halifax Mooseheads this week while the Remparts will take on the Victoriaville Tigres and Rimouski Oceanic.

DOGS/VOLTS IN PLAYOFFS?

The good news? The Sea Dogs won't see the Drummondville Voltigeurs again in the regular season. Saint John dropped both games in the season series and were outscored a combined 15-3.

The bad news? If the Sea Dogs make the playoffs, they'll likely face the Voltigeurs in the first round.

The way things are shaping up, the 16th-place team will crossover into the Western Conference and be the No. 8 seed. The Voltigeurs look poised to be the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, which would setup a first round meeting with the No. 8 seed.

The Sea Dogs crossed over into the Western Conference last season where they played the Gatineau Olympiques in the opening round.

Saint John and Drummondville have never met in the playoffs.

Recap: Sea Dogs lose 3-0

FINAL: Saint John 0, Sherbrooke 3

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

SHERBROOKE, QC - The Saint John Sea Dogs were in it right until the end in a 3-0 loss to the Sherbrooke Phoenix on Sunday at Palais des Sports Léopold-Drolet.

Down 1-0 entering the third, the Sea Dogs had some chances to tie things up — including a power play — but couldn't convert. Lewis Gendron netted his second of the game with 1:18 remaining, beating Justin Robinson with a quick shot from the slot. Olivier Dubois secured the win with an empty net goal in the final minute to make it a 3-0 final.

Robinson, who has not dressed in recent games due to an injury, made his return and looked strong in doing so, making 43 saves in the loss.

Samuel St-Hilaire stopped all 25 shots he faced to earn his second straight shutout win.

The Sea Dogs, who were missing three regulars up front in Eriks Mateiko, Darien Reynolds and Jacob Beaulieu, head home with a 0-2-1-0 record on this final three-in-three road trip through Quebec. With the Quebec Remparts losing to the Halifax Mooseheads, the Dogs remain in a tie for the 16th and final playoff spot with 11 games to play.

Game Day 57: at Sherbrooke

SHERBROOKE, QC - The Saint John Sea Dogs will play in the province of Quebec one last time this regular season later today.

Saint John travels to Sherbrooke to face the Phoenix at 4 p.m. Atlantic. It hasn't been the greatest road trip for the Sea Dogs so far, blowing a 3-1 third period lead and falling in overtime in Quebec City on Friday before getting blown out 9-2 in Drummondville last night.

With Saturday's contest, the Sea Dogs and Remparts have now played the same amount of games. They are tied for the 16th and final playoff spot with 42 points each.

TV/Radio/Stream: None/None/CHL TV

2023-24 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 17-31-5-3 for 42 points (sixth Maritimes/ninth Eastern/16th QMJHL) while the Phoenix are 26-24-1-5 for 58 points (third Central/fourth Western/10th QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 9-2 loss in Drummondville last night. Eriks Mateiko and Brody Fournier scored for Saint John. Patrick Leaver made 40 saves in the loss. The Phoenix are coming off a 6-0 win over the last-place Val-d'Or Foreurs last night. Hugo Primeau scored twice for Sherbrooke while singles came from Charles-Antoine Beauregard, Andrew Belchamber, Israël Mianscum and Lewis Gendron. Samuel St-Hilaire made 20 saves in the shutout.

Recap: Sea Dogs lose 9-2

FINAL: Saint John 2, Drummondville 9

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

DRUMMONDVILLE, QC - Well, that's over.

The Drummondville Voltigeurs, one of the top teams in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League, defeated the Saint John Sea Dogs 9-2 in a lopsided affair on Saturday at Marcel Dionne Centre.

It looked very much like one of the league's top teams going up against one at the bottom for much of the match. There's not much else to say about it. The Sea Dogs, at the very least, did create a few quality chances but couldn't cash on most of them. Eriks Mateiko and Brody Fournier scored in the third period when the game was already well out of reach.

This was Drummondville's 40th win of the season as they continue to sit second overall in the QMJHL standings behind the Baie-Comeau Drakkar.

Predictably, former Sea Dogs forward Noah Reinhart had a hat trick and two assists. Mikael Huchette also had a pair of goals for the Volts while Ethan Gauthier, Peter Repcik, Lukas Landry and Sam Oliver added solo markers. Louis-Felix Charrios made 31 saves in the win.

Patrick Leaver, making his second straight start for Saint John on this three-in-three, made 40 saves in the loss. Unless Justin Robinson is healthy, this likely means affiliate Charles-Antoine Girard will start for Saint John on Sunday in Sherbrooke.

Game Day 56: at Drummondville

DRUMMONDVILLE, QC - The Saint John Sea Dogs continue their road trip today in Drummondville.

The Sea Dogs are coming off a disappointing 4-3 overtime loss in Quebec City last night that saw the team blow a 3-1 third period lead. Saint John still owns the 16th and final playoff spot but are now tied with the Quebec Remparts for that position. The Sea Dogs have played one less game.

On paper, this will be Saint John's toughest game of this three-in-three. The Voltigeurs sit second in the QMJHL with a 39-10-5-1 record and are 8-1-1-0 in their last 10 games.

Game time today at the Marcel Dionne Centre is 5 p.m.

TV/Radio/Stream: None/None/CHL TV

2023-24 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 17-30-5-3 for 42 points (sixth Maritimes/ninth Eastern/16th QMJHL) while the Voltigeurs are 39-10-5-1 for 84 points (first Central/first Western/second QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 4-3 overtime loss in Quebec City last night. Nicolas Bilodeau, Matteo Mann and Egan Beveridge scored for Saint John. Patrick Leaver made 26 saves in the loss. The Voltigeurs are coming off a 3-2 overtime loss in Shawinigan last night. Peter Repcik and Maveric Lamoureux scored for Drummondville. Riley Mercer made 16 saves in the loss.

Recap: Sea Dogs lose 4-3 (OT)

FINAL: Saint John 3, Quebec 4 (OT)

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

QUEBEC, QC - The Saint John Sea Dogs let a 3-1 third period lead slip away in a 4-3 overtime loss to the Quebec Remparts on Friday at Videotron Centre.

Alexandre Desmarais netted the winner at 1:25 of the overtime period, wiring a perfectly placed shot top corner on Patrick Leaver. The win pushed the Remparts into a tie with the Sea Dogs for the QMJHL's 16th and final playoff spot with 42 points each — but Saint John has still played one less game.

The victory ended an eight-game losing streak for the Remparts.

Leaver, as he has done a lot in the second half, kept the Sea Dogs in the game early in the first period when the Remparts were heavily outshooting Saint John. Things took a turn when the Sea Dogs went to the power play with Nicolas Bilodeau and Matteo Mann scoring back-to-back man advantage goals.

The Remparts scored a power play marker of their own late in the first but Egan Beveridge's lovely backhand goal at 2:13 of the second ensured the Sea Dogs maintained momentum. Beveridge finished the night with a goal and two assists.

Quebec got within one early in the third when Pierre-Etienne Cloutier scored just 3:57 in. Then at 13:31, Julien Beland netted his second of the game to send the match to overtime.

Leaver made 26 stops in the loss for Saint John. For Quebec, Louis-Antoine Denault was pulled in the second period after allowing three goals on seven shots. Vincent Filion stopped all 12 shots he faced in relief.

QMJHL reduces schedule by four games

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

After many years of consideration and discussion, the QMJHL has finally made the decision to reduce its schedule by four games.

Beginning next season, QMJHL teams will play 64 games rather than 68, meaning two fewer games at home and away. The league has essentially been talking about reducing its schedule since 2008 — the last time the schedule was reduced. The league went from 70 games to 68 for the 2008-09 season.

“This change is in line with our desire to optimize our players’ development both on and off the ice including in school, at games and practices, during travel and rest," QMJHL commissioner Mario Cecchini said in a news release. "We see this as another step in the right direction.”

The move will likely reduce the amount of Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday games teams play. Stephane Leroux of RDS confirmed that Maritime and Quebec teams will continue to play each twice during the regular season.

The schedule reduction has long been debated and, presumably, has always come down to money. Teams make much of their money from ticket sales, and removing two home games isn't a small thing. But on the flip side, expenses are high, and travelling to a road game or hosting a home game isn't cheap.

Like the move or not, getting this reduction across the finish line is another big move by Cecchini, who has really begun to put his stamp on the league.

Personally, I am a big fan of this and wouldn't hate it if the league cut even more games. There are simply too many meaningless games. I know people don't like that terminology, but playing a team you'll see seven other times on a random Tuesday night in October in front of 1,000 people just doesn't excite me. The rivalries aren't what they used to be. Where are the big time NHL prospects? The playoff race(s) is/are rarely intriguing. Like... what are we doing here? The QMJHL and CHL need to find ways to add meaning (and intensity) into more games.

Game Day 55: at Quebec

QUEBEC, QC - The Saint John Sea Dogs will play their most important game of the season (until this point, at least) tonight at Videotron Centre.

The Sea Dogs, who currently hold the 16th and final QMJHL playoff spot, visit the Quebec Remparts, who sit one-point back of them, tonight at 8 p.m. Atlantic.

There is still roughly a month to go in the regular season, so there's still some time for things to change. But the result of tonight's contest could be critical in ultimately determining who takes the final playoff spot.

This game kicks off a three-in-three Quebec road trip for Saint John. They'll visit Drummondville on Saturday and Sherbrooke on Sunday.

TV/Radio/Stream: None/None/CHL TV

2023-24 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 17-30-4-3 for 41 points (sixth Maritimes/ninth Eastern/16th QMJHL) while the Remparts are 18-33-4-0 for 40 points (fourth East/10th Eastern/17th QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 3-2 shootout win over the Cape Breton Eagles on Monday. Matteo Mann and Eriks Mateiko scored for Saint John. Patrick Leaver made 49 saves in the win. The Remparts are coming off 5-1 loss to last-place Val-d'Or on Sunday. Julien Beland scored Quebec's lone goal. Vincent Filion made 21 stops in the loss.

Big weekend ahead for Sea Dogs

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

There's no doubt about it: this is a big weekend for the Saint John Sea Dogs and their playoff hopes.

With 14 regular season games remaining, the Sea Dogs will play a three-in-three in Quebec this weekend — and it begins with what will be the team's biggest game of the season (to date, anyways).

The Sea Dogs will face the Quebec Remparts on Friday night at 8 p.m. Atlantic at Videotron Centre. Saint John currently holds the QMJHL's 16th and final playoff spot with 41 points while Quebec is 17th with 40. The Dogs have also played one less game. The result of Friday's match could be huge in determining who grabs that final playoff spot.

The Remparts head into Friday's meeting on an eight-game losing streak.

On Saturday, the Sea Dogs will face their toughest test of this road trip, visiting Noah Reinhart and the Drummondville Voltigeurs at 5 p.m. The Volts currently sit second overall in the QMJHL standings having leapfrogged the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in the Western Conference.

The Volts have been one of the QMJHL's best teams in the second half and are currently on a seven-game winning streak.

Saturday's game will also be Tyler Peddle's first visit to Drummondville since being traded. Peddle will serve the second and final game of his two-game suspension on Friday in Quebec City.

The Sea Dogs will play the final game of this trip on Sunday afternoon in Sherbrooke. The Phoenix are having a surprisingly okay season and have been very good on home ice, posting a 16-10-0-2 record. They're currently in a fight for home ice in the first round of the playoffs.

Saint John does not have an easy schedule the rest of the way. Following this three-in-three, the team returns to the Maritimes to host the league-leading Baie-Comeau Drakkar before heading to Halifax to face the Mooseheads.

Of Saint John's remaining divisional games, the team will face Halifax three times, Cape Breton twice, Charlottetown twice, Moncton twice and Bathurst once.

Recap: Sea Dogs win 3-2 (SO)

FINAL: Cape Breton 2, Saint John 3 (SO)

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

SAINT JOHN - Patrick Leaver led the Saint John Sea Dogs to a 3-2 shootout victory over the Cape Breton Eagles on Monday afternoon at TD Station.

The overage netminder made 49 saves in 65 minutes of play and then stopped both shots he faced in the shootout. Leaver came up big several times in the third period when the Eagles were pressing, stopping all 20 shots he faced.

Matteo Mann and Eriks Mateiko scored for Saint John.

The victory ended a seven-game losing streak for the Sea Dogs and sends the team into a three-game Quebec road trip with some good vibes. They'll play one of their biggest games of the season on Friday in Quebec City when they face the Remparts — the team they are battling to secure the league's final playoff spot.

Cam Squires and Lucas Romeo scored for Cape Breton. Nicolas Ruccia made 18 stops in the loss.

Game Day 54: vs Eagles

SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Sea Dogs are back in action this holiday Monday for a 2 p.m. tilt against the Cape Breton Eagles.

The Sea Dogs will look to end a seven-game losing streak today after falling in overtime to the Gatineau Olympiques on Saturday.

The Eagles, meanwhile, are trying to hunt down the Moncton Wildcats for second in the Maritimes Division. They enter play today six points back.

As part of the One For All Festival, there will be a Freddie Mercury tribute act performing at the game.

TV/Radio/Stream: None/Sea Dogs Radio/CHL TV

2023-24 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 16-30-4-3 for 39 points (sixth Maritimes/10th Eastern/17th QMJHL) while the Eagles are 29-22-1-1 for 60 points (third Maritimes/fifth Eastern/eighth QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 5-4 overtime loss to the Gatineau Olympiques on Saturday. Joseph Ianniello had a pair of goals while singles came from Nicolas Bilodeau and Pavel Simek. Patrick Leaver made 21 saves in the loss. The Eagles are coming off a 5-3 win over the Halifax Mooseheads on Friday. Olivier Houde had a pair of Cape Breton goals while Luke Patterson, Cam MacDonald and Charles-Antoine Lavallee added singles. Jakub Milota made 27 stops in the win.

Recap: Sea Dogs lose 5-4 (OT)

FINAL: Gatineau 5, Saint John 4 (OT)

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Sea Dogs lost a seventh straight game on Saturday night at TD Station, falling 5-4 in overtime to the Gatineau Olympiques.

The Sea Dogs entered the third period up 4-3 but could not maintain their lead. Jeremie Minville netted the overtime winner to complete a hat trick.

Penalties were the big story in this one with Gatineau going 3/7 on the power play and Saint John 1/5. Gatineau scored two man advantage goals in the opening frame after Tyler Peddle was given a five-minute major and game misconduct for a check from behind on Emile Dubois.

Alexander Gaudio and Charles Boutin had Gatineau's other goals. Kian Hodgins made 30 stops in the win.

Defenseman Joseph Ianniello had quite a night, recording a pair of goals and two assists for Saint John. Nicolas Bilodeau and Pavel Simek also scored. Patrick Leaver made 21 stops in the loss.

Saint John kept the shots against down to a reasonable amount for the first time in several games. They are now one point back of the Quebec Remparts for the league's final playoff spot.

Game Day 53: vs Olympiques

SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Sea Dogs will once again try and snap a losing streak tonight at TD Station.

The Sea Dogs dropped a sixth straight game on Thursday, falling 5-2 to the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada. Saint John enters play tonight two points behind the Quebec Remparts who currently own the league's 16th and final playoff spot.

Just ahead of the Remparts are the Gatineau Olympiques, who will face the Sea Dogs tonight. Gatineau has been one of the hottest teams in the league since the calendar turned but are coming off a 5-2 loss in Moncton last night.

Game time tonight is 7 p.m. As part of the One For All Festival, a Bruno Mars Tribute act will be performing. 

TV/Radio/Stream: None/Sea Dogs Radio/CHL TV

2023-24 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 16-30-3-3 for 38 points (sixth Maritimes/10th Eastern/17th QMJHL) while the Olympiques are 19-29-3-3 for 44 points (third West/seventh Western/15th QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 5-2 home loss to the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada on Thursday. Darien Reynolds and Eriks Mateiko scored for Saint John. Patrick Leaver made 45 saves in the loss. The Olympiques are coming off a 5-2 loss in Moncton last night. Justin Dumais and Alexander Gaudio scored for Gatineau. Zach Pelletier made 25 saves in the loss.

Recap: Sea Dogs lose 5-2

FINAL: Blainville-Boisbriand 5, Saint John 2

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Sea Dogs dropped a sixth straight game on Thursday at TD Station, falling 5-2 to the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.

The game followed a similar storyline to many of Saint John's recent losses: they gave up a lot of shots and didn't generate many quality chances of their own. Both of the Sea Dogs' goals came in the first period where shots were 26-12 in favour of the Armada. In the third, with Saint John still in it, the team recorded just six shots. Shots ended 50-23 in favour of the visitors.

Patrick Leaver was once again solid and busy, making 45 saves in the loss.

Mathis Cloutier scored a pair of goals for the Armada — with the second being an empty netter late in the third. Matt Gosselin, Justin Carbonneau and Eliot Ogonowski also scored for Blainville-Boisbriand. Olivier Ciarlo made 21 stops in the win.

Darien Reynolds and Eriks Mateiko scored for Saint John.

Game Day 52: vs Armada

SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Sea Dogs play their first home game since Jan. 18 and begin the One For All Festival tonight at TD Station.

The Sea Dogs will host the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada at 7 p.m. Saint John will look to end a five game losing streak. The team's long stretch of road games was not kind to them and are now sporting a 1-9 record over their past 10 games.

The Armada, meanwhile, have lost two straight and now sit one-game below the .500 mark with a 22-23-4-1 record.

This will be the first of three games featured in this year's One For All Festival. Tonight is Pride Night.

We're pleased to welcome @SaintJohnPride to tomorrow night's game as part of #OneForAll Festival presented by TD!#GoDogsGo pic.twitter.com/l1tEErNuKA

— Saint John Sea Dogs (@SJSeaDogs) February 14, 2024

TV/Radio/Stream: None/Sea Dogs Radio/CHL TV

2023-24 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 16-29-3-3 for 38 points (sixth Maritimes/10th Eastern/17th QMJHL) while the Armada are 22-23-4-1 for 49 points (second West/sixth Western/12th QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 2-0 loss in Charlottetown last Friday. Justin Robinson made 42 saves in the loss. The Armada are coming off a 6-2 loss to the Sherbrooke Phoenix on Saturday. Olivier Lemieux and Matt Gosselin scored for the Armada. Olivier Ciarlo and Edouard Gauthier split the loss in net.

Lawrence signs USHL tender

USHL

Tynan Lawrence, one of the top prospects available for this year's QMJHL Entry Draft, has signed a tender agreement with the USHL's Muskegon Lumberjacks for the 2024-25 season.

The Lumberjacks announced the signing on Monday.

“It’s a great opportunity here,” Lawrence said in a news release. “I explored all of my options, and I really like the Lumberjacks. What they do with their players with their development.”

Lawrence, the younger brother of former Sea Dogs forward Josh Lawrence, has been playing at Shattuck St. Mary's the past two seasons. He recently recorded four points in four games with Team Canada at the Youth Winter Olympics, a team that featured Sea Dogs head coach Travis Crickard behind the bench as an assistant.

“We are excited to add Tynan and his family to the Lumberjacks organization," said Muskegon head coach Parker Burgess. "He is a high-end talent and future NHL prospect. We are looking forward to working with him and helping him develop on and off the ice.”

Okay, so let's get right into this: what does this mean for the Saint John Sea Dogs?

There's little doubt that the Sea Dogs are targeting Lawrence in this year's QMJHL Entry Draft. This news could help them, given that a lot of teams will choose not to select the Fredericton native because of he's intentions to go the college hockey route. At the same time, this could complicate things for the Sea Dogs given that, well, Lawrence could simply continue on with the college hockey path following the draft.

The exact same situation played out last year when Quispamsis native Liam Kilfoil signed a tender agreement with the USHL's Dubuque Fighting Saints in March. He was later picked in the second-round of the draft by the Halifax Mooseheads and signed with the QMJHL club in July.

A lot of junior hockey followers don't like players making these kind of "threats" in order to land in their preferred QMJHL destinations. But the reality is this: the QMJHL is better with these players in the league, no matter where they are playing. How many first round NHL Draft picks has this league produced in recent years? The QMJHL needs to start doing everything it can to get players like Lawrence into the league.

One thing that is certain: this news adds further drama to this year's QMJHL Entry Draft, which will take place June 7-8 at Moncton's Avenir Centre.

The Sea Dogs do not have their own first round pick in this year's draft but they do have Gatineau's and Blainville-Boisbriand's.

Recap: Sea Dogs lose 2-0

FINAL: Saint John 0, Charlottetown 2

CHARLOTTETOWN - Justin Robinson made 42 saves as the Saint John Sea Dogs fell 2-0 to the Charlottetown Islanders on Friday at Eastlink Centre.

Alexis Michaud and Matthew Butler scored for the Islanders, who ended a nine-game home losing streak with the victory. Carter Bickle stopped all 23 shots he faced in the shutout win.

The Sea Dogs once again gave up a lot of shots, once again couldn't generate a lot of quality chances and once again came out on the losing end. Saint John has now dropped five straight games as they finally head home to TD Station.

This game wrapped up a stretch of eight straight road games for the Sea Dogs. They went 1-7 during the stretch with their only win oddly coming in Victoriaville against one of the league's best teams.

Some news and notes from Newark

NEWARK, NJ - Greetings from the New York City area, where former Saint John Sea Dogs captain Jonathan Huberdeau played in his 800th career NHL game on Thursday.

Huberdeau was held pointless in the Calgary Flames' 5-3 victory over the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center. Huberdeau was coming off one of his best performances of the season on Tuesday, posting a goal and two assists against the Boston Bruins.

Milestone night for Huby 🔥#Flames | @LegacyHCYeg pic.twitter.com/rFI46J9Y70

— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) February 9, 2024

Huberdeau's struggles in Calgary have been well documented. After a 115-point season with the Florida Panthers in 2021-22, the Sea Dogs hall of famer recorded 55 points last year and it's looking like he will come in around the same this season (he currently has seven goals and 22 assists in 50 games).

In his 800-game NHL career, Huberdeau has 220 goals and 477 assists. He is three points away from 700 career points.

Charlie Coyle of the Bruins currently leads all Sea Dogs alumni in NHL scoring this season, recording 18 goals and 27 assists in 51 games.

A few other news and notes...

• Saint John enters play this weekend just one-point back of the Quebec Remparts, who currently own the QMJHL's 16th and final playoff spot. The Sea Dogs have, however, played one more game than the Remparts. Saint John visits Quebec on Feb. 23, which is shaping up to be a big game.
• The Sea Dogs are finally back on home ice this Thursday, hosting the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada at 7 p.m. This game kicks off Saint John's All For One concert series, which continues with games next Saturday and the holiday Monday.
• Former Sea Dogs defenseman Nathan Drapeau sits second in goals amongst QMJHL defensemen with 11 on the year — this despite playing on the last place Val-d'Or Foreurs. His previous career high for goals in a season was eight. 
• Former Sea Dogs forward Noah Reinhart registered a career best four assists in the Drummondville Voltigeurs' 11-1 win in Sherbrooke on Wednesday. Reinhart has three goals and seven helpers in 11 games with the Volts.
• The Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, who sit fourth overall in the QMJHL standings, made a surprising move on Wednesday, firing head coach Martin Dagenais and replacing him with Steve Hartley. The Huskies hammered the Acadie-Bathurst Titan 11-0 in Hartley's Huskies debut on Thursday.
• The UNB Reds shutout the UdeM Aigles Bleus 7-0 on Tuesday, pushing them to 29-0 on the season. They'll play their final game of the regular season on Saturday at the Aitken Centre, hosting the UPEI Panthers.

Game Day 51: at Charlottetown

CHARLOTTETOWN - The Saint John Sea Dogs play the final game of this long stretch of road matches tonight.

The Sea Dogs have played the last seven games away from TD Station, posting a 1-6-0-0 record in that stretch. They'll visit the Charlottetown Islanders tonight before finally returning to Saint John ice on Feb. 15.

The Islanders, like the Sea Dogs, have been sliding since the trade deadline. Charlottetown is just 2-6-1-1 in their last 10 while Saint John is 2-8-0-0.

Game time tonight is 7 p.m.

TV/Radio/Stream: Eastlink/None/CHL TV

2023-24 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 16-28-3-3 for 38 points (sixth Maritimes/10th Eastern/17th QMJHL) while the Islanders are 19-25-3-2 for 43 points (fifth Maritimes/eighth Eastern/14th QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 3-2 loss in Halifax last night. Olivier Groulx and Eriks Mateiko scored for Saint John. Patrick Leaver made 31 saves in the loss. The Islanders are coming off a 4-2 loss in Cape Breton last Friday. Alexis Michaud and Matthew Butler scored for Charlottetown. Carter Bickle made 23 saves in the loss.

Recap: Sea Dogs lose 3-2

FINAL: Saint John 2, Halifax 3

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

HALIFAX - The Saint John Sea Dogs let a late third period lead slip away in a heartbreaking 3-2 loss to the Halifax Mooseheads on Thursday at Scotiabank Centre.

First, former Sea Dogs captain Peter Reynolds, making his return to the Mooseheads lineup from an injury, tied the game at 2-2 at 14:05 of the third period with a power play goal. Then, just over a minute later at 15:55, Jake Todd scored what would hold as the game-winner to secure a 3-2 victory for the Moose.

Saint John had taken a 2-1 lead earlier in the third thanks to goals from Eriks Mateiko and Olivier Groulx. 

Sea Dogs goaltender Patrick Leaver was excellent in net once again, keeping Saint John in the game when they were being outplayed. Shots were 13-1 in favour of Halifax in the first period but Leaver stopped 12 of them. The overage netminder finished the night with 31 saves.

Jan Sprynar scored Halifax's other goal. Mathis Rousseau made 25 saves in the win.

Saint John has now dropped four straight games. They play their final game of this long stretch of road matches tomorrow night in Charlottetown.

Game Day 50: at Halifax

HALIFAX - The Saint John Sea Dogs will try to rebound from one of their worst losses of the season tonight at Scotiabank Centre.

The Sea Dogs are coming off a rough 7-0 loss in Moncton on Sunday. Saint John has dropped three straight games and are just 2-8-0-0 in their last 10.

They won't have an easy task tonight, facing the Maritimes Division leading Halifax Mooseheads at 7 p.m. The Moose have had their struggles over the past couple months but are coming off a Quebec road trip that saw them post impressive wins over Victoriaville and Drummondville. 

TV/Radio/Stream: None/None/CHL TV

2023-24 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 16-27-3-3 for 38 points (sixth Maritimes/10th Eastern/17th QMJHL) while the Mooseheads are 31-12-7-1 for 70 points (first Maritimes/second Eastern/third QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 7-0 loss in Moncton on Sunday. Patrick Leaver made 42 saves in the loss. The Mooseheads are coming off a 1-0 loss in Shawinigan on Saturday. Jack Milner made 24 saves in the loss.

Recap: Sea Dogs lose 7-0

FINAL: Saint John 0, Moncton 7

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

MONCTON - The Saint John Sea Dogs dropped a third straight game on Sunday, falling 7-0 to the Moncton Wildcats at Avenir Centre.

Like a lot of games recently, the Sea Dogs couldn't contain their opponent's top offensive players while struggling to create quality scoring chances of their own. Shots ended 49-38 in favour of the Wildcats but the Sea Dogs only recorded 13 dangerous chances.

Julius Sumpf scored twice and added two assists in the victory. Yoan Loshing, Alex Zielinski, Riley Sampson, Olivier Boutin and Preston Lounsbury added singles. Keegan Warren made 38 saves in the shutout win.

Patrick Leaver made a few big saves in the game, giving Saint John a chance to stay in it. Leaver finished with 42 stops in the loss.

Saint John's recent slide has moved them out of a playoff spot for the time being. They currently sit 17th overall in the QMJHL standings. The top 16 teams qualify for the post-season.

Game Day 49: at Moncton

MONCTON - The Saint John Sea Dogs take on a struggling Moncton Wildcats squad today at Avenir Centre.

The Wildcats have dropped five of their past six games — including a disappointing 7-5 home loss to the Acadie-Bathurst Titan last night — as they have fallen 10 points back of the Maritimes Division leading Halifax Mooseheads.

Much like the Sea Dogs this season, the Wildcats have struggled at home, posting a pedestrian 11-8-1-3 record at Avenir Centre.

Game time today is 4 p.m.

TV/Radio/Stream: None/None/CHL TV

2023-24 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 16-26-3-3 for 38 points (sixth Maritimes/10th Eastern/17th QMJHL) while the Wildcats are 27-13-3-3 for 60 points (second Maritimes/third Eastern/sixth QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 5-3 loss in Bathurst on Friday. Brody Fournier, Drew Elliott and Coen Miller scored for Saint John. Justin Robinson made 52 saves in the loss. The Wildcats are coming off a 7-5 home loss to the Acadie-Bathurst Titan last night. Gabe Smith, Connor Trenholm, Olivier Boutin, Caleb Desnoyers and Natan Grenier all scored for Moncton. Jacob Steinman and Keegan Warren took the loss the net.

Recap: Sea Dogs lose 5-3

FINAL: Saint John 3, Bathurst 5

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

BATHURST - The Saint John Sea Dogs couldn't contain the Acadie-Bathurst Titan's offense on Friday at the KC Irving Regional Centre.

Colby Huggan and Milo Roelens each netted a pair of goals to lead the Titan to a 5-3 win over the Sea Dogs. Shots in the game ended 57-34 in favour of Bathurst — a number that may be a bit inflated, but the Titan certainly controlled the game for long stretches.

Dawson Sharkey also scored for Bathurst. Bobby Orr had three helpers while Huggan and Roelens each added two assists. Joshua Fleming made 31 saves in the victory.

Brody Fournier, Drew Elliott and Coen Miller scored for Saint John. While the score ended close, two of Saint John's goals came in the second half of the third period when the game was already out of reach.

Justin Robinson made a career high 52 saves in the loss. It looked like he was cramping up late in the third period but he managed to stay in the game.

Saint John once again struggled to create quality scoring chances, officially recording just 13 dangerous shots in the loss.

Game Day 48: at Bathurst

BATHURST - The Saint John Sea Dogs meet a familiar foe tonight at the KC Irving Regional Centre.

The Sea Dogs and Acadie-Bathurst Titan will battle for an eighth time this season. Saint John has won four of the seven meetings so far but Bathurst has won the past two.

Saint John is coming off a 1-2-0-0 road trip through Quebec last weekend and are just 3-7-0-0 in their last 10 games.

Game time tonight is 7 p.m.

TV/Radio/Stream: None/None/CHL TV

2023-24 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 16-25-3-3 for 38 points (sixth Maritimes/ninth Eastern/15th QMJHL) while the Titan are 21-21-3-2 for 47 points (fourth Maritimes/sixth Eastern/10th QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 7-1 loss in Gatineau on Sunday. Eriks Mateiko had Saint John's lone goal. Patrick Leaver and Justin Robinson split the loss in net. The Titan are coming off a 4-3 overtime loss to the Moncton Wildcats on Tuesday. Mathieu St-Onge, Colby Huggan and Milo Roelens scored for Bathurst. Antoine Keller made 27 stops in the loss.

Notebook: Draft moves into primetime

It's happening: the first round of the QMJHL Entry Draft will be held Friday in primetime.

The QMJHL confirmed the news on Tuesday when it announced that TVA Sports and Eastlink will both be broadcasting the first round, which will take place Friday, June 7 at Moncton's Avenir Centre.

Big news! The first round of next summer's #QDraft will air live on @Eastlink TV!

Details 👉 https://t.co/9AqBoD0q69 pic.twitter.com/stzQDXWwPY

— QMJHL (@QMJHL) January 30, 2024

The remaining rounds will take place Saturday.

The QMJHL Entry Draft has traditionally been a one day event with all rounds taking place on a Saturday. But the first round is a big show put on by the league, a show that is much more of a Friday night vibe than a Saturday morning.

COMING UP

The Sea Dogs are on the road once again this weekend — but this time much closer to home.

The Sea Dogs travel to Bathurst on Friday to face the Titan at 7 p.m. Then on Sunday, the Dogs make the quick trip to Moncton to take on the Wildcats at 4 p.m.

Saint John went 1-2-0-0 on their three-game Quebec road trip last weekend, posting an upset win over the Victoriaville Tigres.

The Sea Dogs are on the road the following weekend as well, visiting Halifax and Charlottetown. They don't play at TD Station until Feb. 15.