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| Tim Austen/IIHF |
The Latvians pushed the Canadians as much as they could, sending the match into overtime where Michael Hage scored the winner on a power play, giving Canada a 2-1 win.
The Latvians did an excellent job at limiting quality scoring chances. Like last year, Latvia hung around and scored late in the third period to send the match into extra time. This year though, they didn't have quite enough to get the win.
As expected, Saint John Sea Dogs forward Olivers Murnieks was Latvia's top line centre. He played 19:38, recording one shot and going 15-15 in the faceoff circle.
Despite the loss, this result will no doubt give the Latvians some confidence. They play Finland on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. Atlantic.
BEVERIDGE TRADE
The Sea Dogs made their second deal of the trade period on Saturday, sending forward Egan Beveridge to the Quebec Remparts in exchange for forward Félix Pronovost and a 2027 sixth-round pick.
Here's what team president and general manager Trevor Georgie had to say about the trade in a news release.
“We are sad to see Egan go but are excited for him to get a fresh start in Quebec,” said Georgie. “He is an outstanding young man and he will be missed around the team and in the community. We wish him the very best.”
The Sea Dogs do not play the Remparts again this season.
ATTENDANCE TALK
The Sea Dogs averaged 2,762 fans per game in the first of the season. While those numbers still aren't great, it's a decent increase over where they were at last year.
Here's a look at Saint John's pre-Christmas attendance in the post-COVID era. I've included where they rank in the QMJHL to provide some perspective.
Attendance typically increases in the second half. Saint John ended last season with an average of 2,811 fans per game.
The Sea Dogs averaged 2,762 fans per game in the first of the season. While those numbers still aren't great, it's a decent increase over where they were at last year.
Here's a look at Saint John's pre-Christmas attendance in the post-COVID era. I've included where they rank in the QMJHL to provide some perspective.
2025-26 (16 games): 2,762 (8th)2024-25 (17 games): 2,434 (11th)2023-24 (18 games): 2,617 (7th)2022-23 (16 games): 2,486 (8th)2021-22 (17 games): 2,412 (7th)
Attendance typically increases in the second half. Saint John ended last season with an average of 2,811 fans per game.
The league average is 3,244 but just four teams – Quebec, Halifax, Newfoundland and Moncton – are averaging over that.
GOALIES MOVED
The two most sought after goaltenders on the QMJHL trade market have been moved.
The two most sought after goaltenders on the QMJHL trade market have been moved.
The Baie-Comeau Drakkar have dealt Lucas Beckman to the Chicoutimi Sagueneens in exchange for Xavier Daigle, Mathias Hernandez and draft picks.
The Sags have loaded up more than any other team during the trade period, acquiring Beckman, Tomas Lavoie (Cape Breton), Alexis Bernier (Baie-Comeau) and Mavrick Lachance (Sherbrooke).
The Quebec Remparts, meanwhile, have traded 6'8", 210 lbs goaltender Louis-Antoine Denault to the Newfoundland Regiment in exchange for second- and third-round picks.
All transactions can be seen on the QMJHL website. The trade deadline is Jan. 6.
OTHER THINGS
The Quebec Remparts, meanwhile, have traded 6'8", 210 lbs goaltender Louis-Antoine Denault to the Newfoundland Regiment in exchange for second- and third-round picks.
All transactions can be seen on the QMJHL website. The trade deadline is Jan. 6.
OTHER THINGS
- Former Sea Dogs forward Dawson Theede had two goals and an assist in the Halifax Thunderbirds' 10-9 loss to the Saskatchewan Rush on Saturday.
- As far as I can tell, there are no former Sea Dogs playing in the Spengler Cup this year. Cool to see a team of NCAA all-stars (which does include some Canadians) make the trip over.
- All ECHL games were postponed on Saturday and Sunday as the player strike continued – but it sounds like the strike, which began on Boxing Day, could quickly be coming to an end.
— ECHL (@ECHL) December 28, 2025
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