Sea Dogs sign top two picks

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

After a couple months of uncertainty, Dylan Rozzi is a Saint John Sea Dog.

The Sea Dogs officially signed Rozzi and William Yared – the team's top two picks in this year's QMJHL Entry Draft – to Scholarship and Development Agreements on Friday.

“Dylan was one of the most offensively gifted players in this draft class,” said Sea Dogs general manager Anthony Stella in a news release. “He’s a player that can make a difference with his skill but also has drive to make plays without the puck. Adding Dylan to our group is a big step forward.”

Rozzi was selected eighth overall by the Sea Dogs. Despite attending the draft, there were some questions as to whether or not he would choose Saint John or the USHL's Youngstown Phantoms. Rozzi's older brother, Jake Rozzi, played for Youngstown and is committed to Ohio State University.

A Dylan Rozzi shift pic.twitter.com/LHC9EsEB58

— Jamie Tozer (@station_nation) August 16, 2024

Rozzi led the Lac St-Louis Lions in scoring this past season, recording 17 goals and 29 assists in 42 games. Yared, who was selected fifth overall by Saint John, finished second on the team with 10 goals and 32 assists in 41 games.

“We felt William was the most natural center in this year’s draft so adding him to our team is important for our future,” said  Stella. “He’s smart, has size, plays all three zones and is a gifted playmaker who’s going to be a key player for seasons to come.”

Both were in action on Friday night during the Sea Dogs' first scrimmage of training camp. The two were on the same team but didn't see a ton of playing time together.

Sea Dogs training camp continues all weekend. The team's first pre-season game is Tuesday night in St. Stephen against the Charlottetown Islanders.