Notebook: Magnusson signs in BCHL

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Carl-Otto Magnusson has found a home for the 2026-27 season.

The overage defenseman has signed with the Nanaimo Clippers of the BCHL. The move comes after Magnusson was not part of UConn's freshman class for this upcoming season.

“I’m really excited to join the Nanaimo Clippers and get to know all the guys, the town and the community,” said Magnusson in a news release. “I’m looking forward to getting over there, meeting everyone and competing with the team. I can’t wait to get started!”

The defensive defenseman was traded to Saint John from the Moncton Wildcats during the holiday trade period. Magnusson was held pointless in 25 regular season games with the Sea Dogs and in three playoff contests. He was listed as a healthy scratch for one of the Sea Dogs' post-season matches.

While eligible to play another season in the QMJHL, he would take up both an overage and import spots, something that doesn't happen too often.

REGIMENT CAMP IN SUMMERSIDE

The Newfoundland Regiment are holding the first portion of their training camp in Summerside.

The Regiment are using the Gerard "Turk" Gallant Arena, which is the secondary ice surface at Summerside's Credit Union Place. In attendance on Thursday was Gallant himself. 

The former Sea Dogs head coach was seen catching up with another former Sea Dogs head coach in Gordie Dwyer, the Regiment's bench boss and general manager.

The pride of Summerside 🤩

Jack Adams winner and local legend Gerard Gallant stopped by the rink this morning to take in some intrasquad action.

Unite. Inspire. Defend. pic.twitter.com/imzS74xhjB

— Newfoundland Regiment (@nlregiment) August 20, 2026

The Regiment will play a couple pre-season games in the Maritimes this weekend before shifting things to Newfoundland.

Sea Dogs open training camp with intrasquad game

QUISPAMSIS, NB - Team White defeated Team Blue 9-2 on the opening day of on-ice sessions at Saint John Sea Dogs training camp.

Defenseman Jesse Dunlap and forward Kareem Baig-Mirza led Team White with a pair of goals each. Singles came from Madison Bouchard, Oliver Ozogany, Samuel Deschenes, Dylan Hug and Lawrence Williams.

Team Blue had goals from Wyatt Jinman and Matyas Cancik.

The game consisted of two 25-minute periods. Both teams played three goaltenders. On the Team White side, Philippe Harvey started the game and allowed two goals. Sam Pitcher and Daniel Blanchard did not allow any goals.

For Team Blue, Olivier Pepin started and allowed one goal. Will Torres then took over and allowed five goals. Pierce Brackett ended the game and allowed three goals.

The full rosters for the game are below. Glenfall Lewis also dressed for Team Blue.

Rosters are set for our first Blue vs White game of training camp.

Puck drops at 10:30 a.m. at the @Quispamsisqplex.#GoDogsGo | #SeaDogsCamp pic.twitter.com/yl7VGWLEvJ

— Saint John Sea Dogs (@SJSeaDogs) August 22, 2026

The Sea Dogs will hold more on-ice sessions on Sunday at the qplex beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Here are a few videos from Saturday's action.

Training camp is here

QUISPAMSIS, NB – Here we go.

What has the makings of a fascinating season officially gets underway Saturday morning as the Saint John Sea Dogs open up training camp at the Quispamsis qplex.

The first phase of camp begins at 10:30 a.m. with an on-ice session which will be followed by a goaltending session at 12:30 p.m.. The team will do that all over again on Sunday before the second phase of camp – which will feature veterans and returning players – begins on Monday.

This weekend's sessions will give fans their first look at the team's 2026 draft class along with free agent invites. That includes defenseman Lawrence Williams, the team's first-round pick from June's QMJHL Entry Draft.

While there will be plenty of attention on the players, there will also be some eyes on the coaching staff. The Jim Hulton era of Sea Dogs hockey is set to begin – and it's no doubt going to bring a fresh style to Saint John.

Sea Dogs introduce two new season ticket packages

The Saint John Sea Dogs released season ticket information on Friday – with notable additions.

The team has introduced a season value pass – appropriately sponsored by No Frills – and an under-13 season ticket membership option, giving fans two more affordable options to watch Sea Dogs hockey.

From the team:

The No Frills Season Value Pass offers fans the opportunity to attend all 32 Sea Dogs regular-season home games for $299, plus taxes and fees. That means fans can enjoy a full season of Sea Dogs hockey for less than $10 per game, providing the most affordable way to experience CHL hockey in Eastern Canada.

The No Frills Season Value Pass allows fans to secure their seat for every regular-season home game in select upper-bowl corner sections without the added costs and benefits that come with a full Season Ticket Membership.

The Sea Dogs are also introducing the 13U Season Ticket Membership, a new option created specifically for younger fans.

For $168, plus taxes and fees ($200 all-in), children who are 13 or younger for the entire 2026-27 season can enjoy a full Season Ticket Membership experience. The 13U Season Ticket Membership provides families with an affordable way to build memories at the rink while introducing the next generation of Sea Dogs fans to the game.

The season value pass is available only in sections 4, 5, 11 and 12 at TD Station, as the map below indicates. It's also important to note that this package offers digital-only tickets, no member benefits and no ticket transfers or exchanges.

As for traditional season ticket memberships, it appears prices remain unchanged from last season. Here's what 2026-27 season tickets cost after including taxes and fees at check out.

	2025-26	2026-27
Adult	$575	$575
Senior	$495	$495
25U	$300	$300
13U	N/A	$200
Season Value Pass	N/A	$350.85

Despite inflation and the switch to Ticketmaster, the Sea Dogs have kept season ticket prices relatively flat for several years now.

Donovan commits to Providence

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Alexander Donovan has committed to Providence College.

The Saint John Sea Dogs forward made the announcement Wednesday on Instagram.

"I’m excited to announce my commitment to play Division 1 hockey at Providence College," Donovan wrote. "Grateful for my family, teammates, coaches, and all who have supported me along the way."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Alex Donovan (@alexdonovan19)

Donovan was previously committed to the University of Denver. It was reported during the summer that he was no longer committed to the NCHC school.

The Connecticut native is set to play his second season with the Sea Dogs. In 63 games with the club last season, Donovan posted 25 goals and 28 assists. He added a goal and an assist in four playoff games.

Providence College is becoming a popular landing spot for Sea Dogs alumni. The Hockey East school had Kale McCallum on its roster last season and this year will have Everett Baldwin.

Sea Dogs open camp this weekend

The Saint John Sea Dogs will open training camp this weekend at the Quispamsis qplex.

The team unveiled the schedule for the opening weekend of camp on Wednesday. Following player registration on Friday, the Sea Dogs will take to the ice for the first time on Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m.

Here's a look at this weekend's camp schedule.

Saturday, Aug. 22

10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. - On-ice session

12:30 - 1:30 p.m. - Goalie session

Sunday, Aug. 23

10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. - On-ice session

12:30 - 1:30 p.m. - Goalie session

Like last year, the opening day of training camp will be open exclusively to season ticket members.

The Sea Dogs also released the team's training camp roster, which consists of 53 players. The roster features 28 forwards, 16 defensemen and nine goaltenders.

Rookies and free agents will take to the ice for phase one of camp this weekend. The roster includes 10 free agents.

One notable omission is overage forward Maxime Lafond, who will not attend camp due to personal reasons. It was previously announced that Lafond would attend camp on a loan from the Drummondville Voltiegurs.

20-year-old forward Matthew Hlacar, a free agent invite from the OHL, was also not included on the announced roster. He is still expected to attend camp.

Phase two of camp begins on Monday, which is when most returning and signed players will take to the ice.

The Sea Dogs play their first game of the pre-season on Wednesday in St. Stephen against the Moncton Wildcats.