Saturday, May 18, 2024

Notebook: Beaten by the champs

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs
The Saint John Sea Dogs can at least say they were eliminated from this year's QMJHL playoffs by the eventual champions.

The Drummondville Voltigeurs took down the Sea Dogs in a four game sweep in the opening round en route to a league championship. It's the third time in franchise history that the Sea Dogs were eliminated from post-season play by the league champion.

2010: Moncton Wildcats (league final)
2013: Halifax Mooseheads (first round)
2024: Drummondville Voltigeurs (first round)

Saint John, although they did win the 2022 Memorial Cup tournament, has not won a playoff series since the 2017 QMJHL final.

ROUGH PLAYOFFS
In terms of entertainment, this was a rough post-season in the QMJHL. There was only one Game 7 and, remarkably, only two series went six games or longer. There were eight sweeps.
The situation is probably a one off but, even before this year, there was a valid conversation to be had about adjusting the league's playoff format, whether that be returning to the 1vs 16 setup or simply reducing the amount of teams that get in.

It wasn't a great year of playoff hockey across the CHL, as Ken Campbell of The Hockey News points out. There are high hopes for this year's Memorial Cup given how each champion earned their spot via sweep in the league final.

CHAMPION
Sea Dogs equipment manager Tyler Jay recently helped Team Canada capture gold at the World Para Ice Hockey Championship in Calgary. Canada defeated the United States 2-1 in the gold medal game.
ANOTHER CHAMPION
Former Sea Dogs forward John Warren is an OHL champion.
Warren, a London native who played with both the Knights and the OJHL's London Nationals, appeared in four games with the Sea Dogs during the 2016-17 season, recording two goals. According to Elite Prospects, he's been a hockey operations assistant with the Knights for the past two seasons.

MCCLUSKEY COMMITS
Former Sea Dogs forward Carter McCluskey has committed to play with the UPEI Panthers next season.

McCluskey split last season between the MHL's Truro Bearcats and Fredericton Red Wings where he led the league in points (106) and goals (47).

“I could not be happier to stay close to home and play in the top conference in the entire country, I know this will allow me to develop and elevate my game to a new level, something I am looking forward to and hopefully someday have a career in hockey after my schooling is complete," McCluskey said via the Red Wings' Facebook page. "I want to thank everyone along the way who had faith in me as a player and allowed me to get to this point. The Wings were my final stop in my junior career, and one I thoroughly enjoyed immensely, I am looking forward to the new chapter ahead.”

McCluskey, a Grand Bay-Westfield native and former Saint John Vito's forward, spent parts of two seasons with the Sea Dogs, appearing in a total of 24 regular season games and two playoff matches.

FELICIO DECOMMITS
Defenseman Will Felicio, an 11th-round pick of Saint John in the 2022 QMJHL Entry Draft, has reportedly decommitted from the University of Denver.
Felicio, who is eligible for this year's NHL Draft, split this past season between the USHL's Madison Capitols and Waterloo Black Hawks.

GARDINER AFTERMATH
The UNB Reds have uploaded video from Tuesday night's retirement announcement made by Gardiner MacDougall...


... and the Moncton Wildcats have uploaded video from Wednesday morning's hiring announcement.



OTHER THINGS
  • The Hockey Writers has a prospect profile on 2024 NHL Draft eligible forward Eriks Mateiko.
  • The Miramichi Timberwolves have advanced to the semifinals of the Centennial Cup following an 8-4 win over the Navan Grads (CCHL) in Friday's quarterfinals. Former Sea Dogs forward Cole Foston had a goal and an assist in the victory. Miramichi will play the Collingwood Blues (OJHL) in Saturday's semifinals.
  • Bit of a surprising coaching move earlier this week as the WHL's Spokane Chiefs announced the parting of ways with head coach Ryan Smith. Smith was the head coach of Team Canada at the Youth Olympic Games – where Sea Dogs head coach Travis Crickard was an assistant – and was an assistant under Gardiner MacDougall at this year's World Under-18s – where Crickard was also an assistant. The Chiefs also announced that former Sea Dogs assistant coach Stefan Legein would return next year as an associate coach.
  • The BCHL, which remains unsanctioned by Hockey Canada, has given exceptional player status to BC forward Eli McKamey, which creates a lot of questions about other potential exceptional status players.
  • Never forget: Chris Kreider was a 10th-round pick of Saint John in the 2008 QMJHL Entry Draft. Imagine him on the Sea Dogs during the 2009 to 2012 run.
  • Some arena news:
    • Work is finally beginning on the long planned renovations to Hamilton's FirstOntario Centre, which are expected to be wrapped up in the fall of 2025. 
    • Lighting was added to Moose Jaw's arena prior to hosting the WHL final. It was much needed as the rink has always been oddly dark. 
    • What an atmosphere in Baie-Comeau and Drummondville for the QMJHL final. We're probably nearing the day where horns will be banned in Quebec rinks, but it's fun to enjoy for now (especially from a distance).
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