SOME TRICKS AND TREATS IN WIN STREAK

Last night in Baie-Comeau the Drakkar came knocking on the door and asked "trick or treat!" But the Sea Dogs didn't have a warm heart and gave the Drakkar a nice trick as they were absolutely robbed of an extra point.

Michael Kirkpatrick's late game heroics gave the Sea Dogs a seventh straight victory which ties a franchise record for consecutive wins. In all the irony, Baie-Comeau ended the Sea Dogs winning streak that took place last season.

As you can see in below the two winning streaks have a lot of similarities such as goals for and against, and a 4-0 shut-out.

2008-2009: October. 4, 2008 to October.24, 2008
vs Halifax 2008-10-04: 5-1
@ Mon 2008-10-05: 3-2
vs PEI 2008-10-08: 6-3
vs Mtl 2008-10-11: 4-0
@ PEI 2008-10-15: 4-3
vs Bat 2008-10-17: 2-1
vs Chi 2008-10-23: 4-1

Goals For: 28

Goals Against: 11

2009-2010: October. 10, 2009 to October 30, 2009
vs Mon 2009-10-17: 3-2
vs PEI 2009-10-18: 5-2
@ Bat 2009-10-22: 5-2
@ Hal 2009-10-24: 4-0
vs Bat 2009-10-25: 6-1
@ Chi 2009-10-29: 3-1
@ BaC 2009-10-30: 3-2

Goals For: 29

Goals Against: 10

The Sea Dogs will try to win a franchise record eighth straight game tomorrow in Rimouski (4:55 pm, News 88.9 FM).

Saint John also won a franchise record 10 games in the month of October.

REMINDER: Set your clocks back one hour tonight (Saturday) or you will be early for tomorrow's broadcast!

DOGS INTERESTED IN CORMIER?

Patrice Cormier is expected to follow in the footsteps of many Rimouski Oceanic players from the past. He will likely be traded come the holiday trading period to begin yet another Rimouski rebuild after a Memorial Cup run.

"We announce since the draft we are in a year of transition," Rimouski general manager Yannick Dumais told Sportsnet.ca. "A lot of teams take the information about that and they ask us the price but right now we won't do anything before Christmas."

The teams interested in Cormier will likely be contenders come Christmas and in need of offense. The 19 year old has 56 goals and 123 points in 170 career games with the Oceanic.

Since the beginning of the season rumors have been created about where he will go. The biggest rumor has him going to his home town team (although he is a native of Cape-Pele, N.B.) the Moncton Wildcats, who have struggled to score goals this season.

Rogers Sportsnet junior hockey columnist had a bit of different twist to his article. He reports on Sportsnet.ca that the Saint John Sea Dogs are rumored to be in the mix. It is strange rumor likely without much credibility. Saint John already has offensive veteran's in Mike Hoffman and Nicholas Petersen.

"I think (Jordan) Caron and Cormier have the same value as (Chris) DiDomenico last year," the GM said about the DiDomenico trade last season that saw Saint John acquire Mike Hoffman at this years entry draft.

Cormier played along side DiDomenico at the World Junior Hockey Championships for the gold medal winning Canadain squad in 2009. He was drafted by the New Jersey Devils, 54th overall, in 2008.

To view the Sportsnet.ca article click HERE.

SOMEHOW, DOGS WIN 7TH STRAIGHT

Baie-Comeau – As the old saying goes, “you’ve gotta be good to lucky, and lucky to be good.” That phrase could be painted on the Sea Dogs bus after a dramatic, unbelievable, and unlikely 3-2 shootout victory over Baie-Comeau on Friday night.

Michael Kirkpatrick scored the tying goal with 3.6 seconds left on the clock to send the game into overtime. The 19 year-old forward also won the game in the shootout.

Scoring for Saint John was Kirkpatrick and Zack Phillips while the Drakkar replied with goals from Simon Olssen and Guillaume Goulet.

Baie-Comeau dominated most of the game. The goal by Kirkpatrick had News 88.9’s Tim Roszell busting up my speakers on the call.

Both teams got off to a sizzling start with each goaltender standing tall in their crease. Karel St. Laurent was a bit shaky on the first shot but did recover.

Zach Phillips had a great chance early on but hit the crossbar. That was followed by the Drakkar’s David Cliché going in on a shorthanded breakaway that was quickly broken up by Mike Hoffman.

Than the Drakkar’s leading goal scorer Guillaume Goulet was stoned on a two-on-one by St. Laurent mid way through the period.

Saint John finally found the back of the net after a solid first period. Phillips made an inside out move around a Baie-Comeau defenseman and chipped the puck up high to make it 1-0. The goal, assisted by Stephen MacAulay, is the Fredericton natives third of the season.

The Sea Dogs were outshot by the Drakkar 10-5 in the entertaining first period despite having the better scoring chances.

The Drakkar had a dominating second period. They tied the Friday night affair at 5:14 on a goal from former PEI Rocket Simon Olsson. With Pierre Durepos in the box for a high stick, Goulet’s original shot was deflected to Olssen who shot a blast off the left post and in to make it 1-1.

Shortly after the goal Sea Dogs forward Olivier Ouellet went hard into the Baie-Comeau net but was okay with no penalties on the play.

It was a back-and-forth beginning of the second period with Phillips having another great chance off a turnover. Then the Drakkar took their first lead of the game at 12:19. The puck bounced over the stick of Nathan Beaulieu at the blue line and caused an odd man rush the other way. Goulet made no mistake and made it 2-1 with his team leading 13th goal of the season.

Ouellet was robbed by the glove of former Sea Dogs goaltender Nathan Dunnett with a few minutes remaining in the second. Gabriel Bourque laid out Mike Thomas along the boards to end the period.

Baie-Comeau had a strong second stanza but were outshot 9-8 by the Sea Dogs. The Drakkar took a 2-1 lead into the final period.

The Sea Dogs just could not get anything going offensively in the third period. Saint John head coach Gerard Gallant had to juggle his lines to try and get the scoring factory back up and running.

Nathan Dunnett continued to rob his former team making a great toe save off of Ottawa Senators draft pick Mike Hoffman. With under two minutes remaining the Sea Dogs trough everything they had, including the kitchen sink, at Dunnett but could not score.

With Karel St. Laurent on the bench, Michael Kirkpatrick took the game into his own hands. With 3.6 seconds left on the clock, Kirkpatrick tied the game right off the face-off that went through the legs of David Cliché and Dunnett to tie the game 2-2. The goal caused absolute delirium among Sea Dogs fans far and wide. “Kirky’s” third goal of the season went unassisted.

After overtime proved useless the two teams were forced to take part in the breakaway challenge. After four periods, shots were tied 28-28.

Neither goaltender was solid in the shootout. The first three scorers for both trams all scored to cause sudden death. Nicholas Petersen and Marc-Olivier Mimar were both stopped and then Kirkpatrick found the spotlight yet again. The veterean alternate captian made a nifty forehand to backhand move and roofed it over Dunnett to give the Dogs the lead. St. Laurent then stopped David Cliché to cap off the comeback.

Karel St. Laurent played very well all game and improved to 5-2-0. Saint John stays in first place in the Atlantic and keeps pace in the overall standings as well. The win is the Sea Dogs 7th consecutive victory which ties a franchise record that was set last season.

NOTES: The attendance was 1,666… the three stars are chosen for regulation play but Michael Kirkpatrick was left out for some reason… Tom Roszell’s goal call on News 88.9 FM has to be one of the best in Sea Dogs history… Jonathan Huberdeau is a perfect 3/3 in the shootout this season… the Sea Dogs are staying the night in Baie-Comeau and travelling to Rimouski tomorrow… Tomas Jurco returned after missing four games due to chicken pox… Nicholas Pard and Gabriel Bourret were both healthy scratches… it was “Pink in the Rink Night” in Baie-Comeau but the pink sweaters were worn only in the pre-game warm-up for some reason… the three officials working tonight’s game were the same as Thursday’s game in Chicoutimi… way off topic, but remember to set your clocks back one hour on Saturday night or you will be early for Sunday’s broadcast!

NEXT GAME: Saint John Sea Dogs vs Rimouski Oceanic. Sunday, November 1, 2009, at 5:00 pm at Rimouski Colisee.

PRE-GAME: Saint John Sea Dogs vs Baie-Comeau Drakkar

Game Day
Saint John Sea Dogs vs Baie-Comeau Drakkar
Tonight, October 30, 2009 at 8:30 pm
Centre Henry-Leonard

Visiting Team: Saint John Sea Dogs
Record: 14-4-1-0 (1st in Atlantic Division)
Last Game: 3-1 Win @ Chicoutimi yesterday
Leading Scorer: Steven Anthony: 17-10-8-18
Notes: Yann Sauve has a six game point scoring streak… playing the second game of three game/four day Quebec road trip… Saint John has the best road record in the QMJHL with a record of 7-2-1-0 entering last night’s game in Chicoutimi… Tomas Jurco took warm-up on Thursday night but did not play. He has missed the last four games due to chicken pox… Nicholas Pard played last night but is questionable with flu like symptoms… Saint John is ranked seventh in Canada... the Sea Dogs sit alone atop the QMJHL standings.

Home Team: Baie-Comeau Drakkar
Record: 5-11-1-0 (4th in Telus Eastern Division)
Last Game: 8-1 loss @ Victoriaville on Sunday
Leading Scorer: Simon Olsson: 14-4-13-17; Gabriel Bourque: 14-3-14-17; Guillaume Goulet: 16-12-5-17
Notes: The Drakkar have only one NHL draft pick: Gabriel Bourque (Nashville)… former Sea Dog draft pick Nathan Dunnett know plays for Baie-Comeau. The Whitney, New Brunswick native was traded to Drummondville on December 17, 2007. He was later traded to the Drakkar. He was selected by Saint John 147th overall in 2007… Baie-Comeau has only two Atlantic Canadians on their roster in Dunnett and Kalin Paul of Cape Breton… the Drakkar’s other goalie, Simon Giroux, is also a former Sea Dog. He never played a game for Saint John and was traded during this year’s training camp… yet another former Sea Dog, Philip Richer, has played 11 games for the Drakkar this season and has a goal and two points. In 45 games with Saint John he had one goal and three points over two seasons. He was traded in August… ranked 15th in the league with a 4-6-0-0 record at home… averaging 1,681 fans per game.

Saint John vs Baie-Comeau:
This Season (GP-W-L-OTL-SOL-PTS):
0-0-0-0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0-0-0-0
Road: 0-0-0-0-0-0
Goals For: 0
Goals Against: 0

Last Season (GP-W-L-OTL-SOL-PTS):
2-1-0-1-0-3
Home: 1-0-0-1-0-1
Road: 1-1-0-0-0-2
Goals For: 6
Goals Against: 5

All-Time-Not including this season (GP-W-L-OTL-SOL-PTS):
8-4-3-1-0-9
Home: 4-2-1-1-0-5
Road: 4-2-2-0-0-4
Goals For: 24
Goals Against: 26

Station Nation Facts:

• The team was founded in 1997.
• Under head coach Richard Martel, the franchise won two conference championships (2000-01 and 2002-03) and a regular season crown in 2002-03 after winning 50 games.
• The team’s notables over the years include: Yanick Lehoux, Richard Martel, Maxime Fortunus, Jean-François Jacques, Patrick Thoresen and François Bouchard.
• The Drakkar have no retired numbers.
• “Drakkar” is French for “Viking Ship.”
• The team was featured in the junior hockey documentary “Junior.”
• One of the greatest tardes in Sea Dogs franchise history was made when the Dogs acquired Alexandre Picard-Hooper from the Drakkar for three draft picks in 2007.

Important Info:
Venue: Centre Henry-Leonard
Capacity: 2,779
Arena Guide Info: http://www.qmjhlarenaguide.com/drakkar.htm

Saint John Media: Radio- News 88.9 FM (www.news889.com)
Live Video Streaming: www.qmjhl.mytelus.com
Post-Game Coverage: www.stationnation.blogspot.com

DOGS DO IT AGAIN

STATION NATION POST-GAME
Chicoutimi – It wasn’t magnificent but it got the job. That sums up an uneventful Thursday night affair between the Sea Dogs and Chicoutimi Sagueneens. Saint John won their sixth straight game as they defeated the Sags 3-1.

Scoring for Saint John was Jonathan Huberdeau, Steven Anthony, and Yann Sauve. Replying for Chicoutimi was Michael Stinziani.

Saint John got off to a quick start firing everything at Sagueneens goaltender Christopher Gibson.

The Dogs were rewarded for their hard work at 3:02 when Jonathan Huberdeau netted his fourth of the season. He made a nice move around a Chicoutimi player and shot a wrist shot off the post that deflected in. That made it 1-0 Saint John and yet another goal for the Sea Dogs fourth line.

Following the goal Mike Hoffman had a good chance but hit the post on what appeared to be a broken play.

Half way through the period Chicoutimi started to catch up with Saint John. Former Cape Breton Screaming Eagle Michael Stinziani had a good chance off a rebound but couldn’t connect.

Michal Hlinka took penalty at 15:49 to give Saint John their first power play opportunity. Steven Anthony, Hoffman, and Simon Despres had good chances but no finish. Than on the same power play the crowd at the Georges-Vezina Centre cheered when Antoine Roussel laid out Nicholas Petersen.

Saint John took their 1-0 lead into the second period after outshooting the Sagueneens 17-7 through 20 minutes.

Chicoutimi went on the power play to start the second period. Stinziani fired a big shot that was cranked off the cross bar-or so it seemed. After a short review the officials declared it a goal to make the game 1-1. This was Stinziani’s first goal as a Sag.

After a brief delay of confusion over the time that was set on the clock, play resumed with Steven Anthony being robbed by Gibson with the leather.

Shortly after, Olivier Ouellet had a great chance. He wrapped around the Sags net and had a wide open cage but slid it through the crease.

Steven Anthony gave the Dogs back their one goal lead at 7:58 with his team leading 10th goal of the season. The Canucks prospect dug a puck out of the face-off circle and scored right side on Gibson. The goal was followed by a quick chance for Michael Kirkpatrick but could not get-it-to-go after a great pass from his line mate.

Saint John took a 3-1 lead at 13:38 when the defensive player of the week scored his fourth goal of the season. Huberdeau provided enough traffic in front for Yann Sauve to score from just inside the blue line. The goal caps off a banner week for Sauve who, along with player of the week honors, was featured on the THN Hot List and the Vancouver Canucks website.

Some roughing penalties near the end of second period had Gerard Gallant upset. On the ensuing Chicoutimi power play, Antoine Roussel was robbed by the pad of Marc-Antoine Gelinas.

Saint John outshot the Sags 11-8 in the second and lead 3-1 on the scoreboard after two periods.

Nicholas Pard was stoned on a breakaway by Gibson followed by another save on a rebound opportunity. Olivier Ouellet had a good chance in close but hit the side of the net.

Marc-Antoine Gelinas made his stats heard in the third period as well. He stopped a charging Karl-Pierre Marion and than a deflected shot off of the stick of Nicholas Therrien.

Gibson ended the third period stopping Mike Hoffman who broke through the Sags defense. He made 36 saves on the night while Gelinas allowed one goal on 21 shots.

Saint John wins by a final score of 3-1.

NOTES: Yann Sauve has a six game point scoring streak… Saint John has now won six straight games…. Sea Dogs now has sole possession of first place in the QMJHL... Steven Anthony was named the News 88.9 Top Dog.

NEXT GAME: Saint John Sea Dogs vs Baie-Comeau Drakkar. Friday, October 30, 2009, at 8:30 pm at Henry-Leonard Centre.

SEA DOGS NOTEBOOK

CALENDARS ON SALE MONDAY
As reported last week on Station Nation, the Saint John Sea Dogs Foundation will be selling 2010 wall calendars this year. The calendars go on sale this Monday at the Sea Dogs front office on the second level of Harbour Station.

The calendars look very nice and are of high quality. The cost per calendar is $15 with all proceeds going to the Saint John Sea Dogs foundation, a charitable organization whose mission it is to provide financial and/or in kind support to recognize nonprofit organizations in south western New Brunswick that focus on improving the quality of life for youth in the areas of education, sport, fitness, and health.

The calendars are on limited supply and will also be available on game days at Sea Dogs Central.

THE DOGS NEED YOUR ART
The Sea Dogs are asking for some team related holiday art work this season. All young fans are invited to create a piece of artwork, with the winners drawing featured on the annual season ticket holder Christmas card. The deadline for submissions is November 16.

Fans may mail their drawings to SEA DOGS X-MAS ART/ 99 Station St., Suite 200 / Saint John, NB / E2L 4X4. Submissions may also be dropped off at the Sea Dogs’ office (second floor, Harbour Station). Please include the artists name, age, hometown, and contact information.

OCTOBER EVOLUTION
The Sea Dogs official website had an article on Russian rookie Stanislav Galiev earlier this week. The article talks about his play this season and the fact that he is tied for second in rookie scoring.

“Stanislav has really been working hard for us and his efforts are showing up on the score sheet,” says Sea Dogs Head Coach and former NHL star Gerard Gallant in the article.

To view the article click HERE.

IT’S THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN
With the holidays just around the corner, the Sea Dogs will once again be selling five and ten game ticket packages. The deals go on sale November 7 at Sea Dogs Styles in the lobby of Harbour Station.

To view the prices go to www.saintjohnseadogs.com. All fans purchasing a five game pack on November 7th or 8th will receive a free Simon Despres bobble head. Fans buying the ten packs will get the bobble head and a free ticket to the Sea Dogs December 17th game against Halifax.

SAUVE FEATURED ON CANUCKS.COM
Yann Sauve is featured in an article on canucks.com this week. Sauve talks about the Sea Dogs hot start and his play so far this season.

“They want us to be good defensively, but the past year the defence were not allowed to play the rush. This year me, Simon and other the guys can join the rush, we have the green light to do that. They won’t be mad if we join the rush. They always say that a great defence means a great offence and I think it’s a great way to think.”

To view the article click HERE.

MORE CRAP AT HARBOUR STATION
I apologize for the crude headline-but it’s true. The Harbour Station parking lot will shortly become smaller because of a sewage pump being built on the facilities property. The $6.9 million lift station was approved by Saint John City Council earlier this week. The sewage lift station is placed primarily underground but a “visually attractive” building will be built around it.

To view the article click HERE.

DOGS TO PAY TRIBUTE ON NOVEMBER 8
The Saint John Sea Dogs will host their annual Veterans Week ceremony on Sunday, November 8th when they host Rouyn-Noranda. It is part of a league wide tribute that all 18 teams play host to once each year. To view the entire list of dates click HERE.

What most fans don’t know is that the Memorial Cup is named in honor Canadian war heroes from the First World War. The holy grail of junior hockey has been awarded since 1919.

PRE-GAME: Saint John Sea Dogs vs Chicoutimi Sagueneens

Game Day
Saint John Sea Dogs vs Chicoutimi Sagueneens
Tonight, October 29, 2009 at 8:30 pm
Centre Georges-Vezina

Visiting Team: Saint John Sea Dogs
Record: 13-4-1-0 (1st in Atlantic Division)
Last Game: 6-1 Win vs Acadie-Bathurst on Sunday
Leading Scorer: Steven Anthony: 16-9-8-17; Stanislav Galiev: 18-6-11-17
Notes: Saint John has won five straight games which is a season high. It is the longest current winning streak in the league… Tomas Jurco returns after missing three games due to chicken pox… Karel St. Laurent put in a solid performance on Sunday. Marc-Antoine Gelinas had a shut-out in his last start… this is the first game of a three game Quebec road trip… in their other Quebec road swing, the Dogs went 1-1-1-0… Saint John has never lost to Chicoutimi at Harbour Station… Saint John was ranked seventh in the CHL Top 10 yesterday… 8-1-1-0 in last 10 games… a league best 7-2-1-0 on the road this season… Stanislav Galiev is tied for second in rookie scoring.

Home Team: Chicoutimi Sagueneens
Record: 6-7-1-3 (3rd in Telus East Division)
Last Game: 4-1 loss @ Rimouski on Sunday
Leading Scorer: Nicolas Deschamps: 14-10-8-18; Jacob Lagace: 14-10-8-18
Notes: Chicoutimi has two NHL draft picks: Jacob Lagace (Buffalo), and Nicolas Deschamps (Anaheim)… goaltender Robin Gusse is native of Bayonne, France and Antoine Roussel is a native of Roubaix, France… Michael Stinziani was traded from Cape Breton to the Sags last week. In two games he has no points… rookie Rock Regimbald is a team low -12 in 17 games. He was the trams first overall pick in the 2009 QMJHL entry draft… Chicoutimi traded Olivier Oullet to Saint John last season in exchange for a second round draft pick in last summer’s entry draft. The pick was used to select Robin Gusse… 5-3-1-1 in their last 10 games… ranked fifth in the league with a road record of 5-2-1-2… averaging 3,063 fans a game.

Saint John vs Chicoutimi:
This Season (GP-W-L-OTL-SOL-PTS):
0-0-0-0-0-0
Home: 0-0-0-0-0-0
Road: 0-0-0-0-0-0
Goals For: 0
Goals Against: 0

Last Season (GP-W-L-OTL-SOL-PTS):
2-2-0-0-0-4
Home: 1-1-0-0-0-2
Road: 1-1-0-0-0-2
Goals For: 10
Goals Against: 6

All-Time-Not including this season (GP-W-L-OTL-SOL-PTS):
8-6-2-0-0-12
Home: 4-4-0-0-0-8
Road: 4-2-2-0-0-4
Goals For: 31
Goals Against: 31

Station Nation Facts:

• The Sagueneens are 1211-1207-137 all-time in 2555 games played. That is good got a .501 winning percentage.
• The Chicoutimi Saguenéens are the result of the League’s 1973-74 expansion.
• A large number of its goaltenders have reached the National Hockey League: Sam St-Laurent, Daniel Berthiaume, Jimmy Waite, Félix Potvin, Eric Fichaud and Marc Denis.
• The team’s notables over the years include: Sylvain Locas, Guy Carbonneau, Gilbert Delorme, Marc Fortier, Gaston Drapeau, Félix Potvin, Marc Denis and Pierre-Marc Bouchard.
• The Sags have retired the numbers 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 29, and 5.
• The formal complaint which was brought to the attention of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League by the Quebec Remparts organization over the week-end regarding comments made by Chicoutimi Saguenéens head coach Richard Martel towards forward Danick Paquette has been rejected. "Insults, or mental threats or any other gesture used to ridicule opponents will never be considered as acceptable even if such conduct signals frustrations which can appear to be legitimate,” said QMJHL Commissioner Gilles Courteau. “The QMJHL created an antidiscrimination policy in which severe disciplinary sanctions are included to prevent disrespectful behaviour. In this case, I believe that although the comments which were made are regrettable, they cannot be interpreted as defamatory in any way, shape or form."

Important Info:
Venue: Centre Georges-Vezina
Capacity: 3,759
Arena Guide Info: http://www.qmjhlarenaguide.com/sagueneens.htm
Saint John Media: Radio- News 88.9 FM (www.news889.com)
Live Video Streaming: www.qmjhl.mytelus.com
Post-Game Coverage: www.stationnation.blogspot.com

GAUTHIER IMPRESSING SCOUTS

Saint John Sea Dogs forward Danick Gauthier has been impressing fans with his skills all season long. Now the scouts are beginning to take a look at the 18 year old Quebec native.

Kyle Woodief of the well known Red Line Report had this to say about Gauthier:

"Next up is Danick Gauthier from St. John. At 6-2/183, he's not quite as large as (Montreal Junior Louis-Marc) Aubry, but still has fine size and natural athleticism and plays a flashier offensive game. He's got tremendously soft hands and slick moves that make him dangerous in 1-on-1 situations and loves to use the spin-a-rama directly into a deceptive backhander. Gauthier is very involved in the offensive end and creates loads of chances, heading straight to net where he can use his long reach and good body positioning around the crease."

In 18 games this season he has five goals and four assists and is a +2. He was traded to Saint John from Shawinigan last season at the holiday trade deadline. He was drafted 26th overall by the Cataractes in the 2008 QMJHL entry draft.

To view the USA Today article click HERE.

DOGS MAKE HISTORY WITH RANKING

For the third time this season the Saint John Sea Dogs have been named among Canada's best in the BMO CHL Mastercard Top 10 Rankings. The Sea Dogs made history with today's placement in the #7 spot, the highest in franchise history. The previous highest ranking was #8 in 2007-08.

Saint John is 13-4-1-0 this season and are first in the Atlantic division. The Dogs are also tied for first overall in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League entering tonight's action. The Sea Dogs play Chicoutimi on Thursday. (8:30 pm AST, News 88.9 FM)

Week 7 BMO CHL Mastercard Top 10:
1. Calgary Hitmen (12-3-0-0)
2. Drummondville Voltigeurs (13-2-0-1)
3. Windsor Spitfires (12-3-0-1)
4. Kitchener Rangers (9-1-1-2)
5. Tri-City Americans (11-2-0-0)
6. Gatineau Olympiques (12-4-0-0)
7. Saint John Sea Dogs (13-4-1-0)
8. London Knights (10-4-0-0)
9. Vancouver Giants (10-3-1-2)
10. Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors (10-3-0-0)

The Sea Dogs have been placed in the CHL Top 10 seven previous times.
CHL Top 10 Rankings: 8
2007-2008: Week 14: #10 (25-10-1-2)
2007-2008: Week 16: #10 (28-12-1-2)
2007-2008: Week 17: #8 (31-12-1-3)
2007-2008: Week 18: #9 (32-13-1-3)
2007-2008: Week 19: #9 (34-14-1-3)
2009-2010: Week 2: #10 (4-0-0-0)
2009-2010: Week 3: #10 (5-2-0-0)
2009-2010: Week 7: #7 (13-4-1-0)

Sea Dogs Warm-Up 10/25/09

Here's a video I made featuring the Sea Dogs warm-up on Sunday at Harbour Station.

Gerrard Gallant Interview

Halifax Mooseheads play-by-play man John Moore talks to Sea Dogs head coach Gerard Gallant on Saturday.

ANTHONY NAMED STUDENT OF THE MONTH

The QMJHL released the list of the September student of the month award winners today. Third year forward Steven Anthony represents the Sea Dogs this month.

"Steven is taking two full-time courses at the University level. He has excellent marks in his assignments and was identified by his instructors as an outstanding student," said the press release.

He is currently attending the University of New Brunswick in Saint John. This past summer he was drafted by the Vancouver Canucks and currently is tied for the team scoring lead.

The QMJHL September students of the month can be seen below:
Acadie-Bathurst – Julien Tremblay
Baie-Comeau – Guillaume Goulet
Cape Breton – Myles Micallef
Chicoutimi – Pierre-Karl Marion
Drummondville – Philippe Bergeron
Gatineau – Vincent Barnard
Halifax – Alex Lemieux
Lewiston – Michael Chaput
Moncton – Matthew Bissonnette
Montreal – Guillaume Asselin
P.E.I. – Jérémi Janneteau
Quebec – Jean-Philippe Gagnon
Rimouski – Charles-Antoine Roy
Rouyn-Noranda – Jérôme Raymond
Saint John – Steven Anthony
Shawinigan – Michaël Bournival
Val-d’Or – Matthieu Thériault
Victoriaville – Olivier Jannard

SEA DOGS NOTEBOOK

THREE GAMER AHEAD
The Sea Dogs hit the road this week for a three game, four day Quebec road swing. On Thursday the Sea Dogs face Chicoutimi (7-6-1-3) at 8:00 pm. Friday the Dogs head to Baie-Comeau (4-12-1-0) who sits last in the Telus east division. After a day off Saturday, Saint John takes on Rimouski (9-4-3-0) in an afternoon tilt on Sunday.

It should be noted that the Friday game begins at 8:30 pm AST, meaning you should have time to catch the early David Copperfield show at Harbour Station and than listen to the game afterwards.

GALIEV GETS HIGH PRAISE
Mark Seidel of The Hockey News had high praise for the Sea Dogs' Stanislav Galiev. He ranks Galiev 10th in the world for the 2010 NHL entry draft. The first overall pick in the 2009 CHL import draft is tied for the lead in team scoring and sits second in rookie scoring in the QMJHL with 6G-11A-17Pts.

To view the article click HERE.

HOT DOGS OF THE Q
Rogers Sportsnet has named the Sea Dogs this weeks "hot team" in the QMJHL. Patrick King wrote this about the Sea Dogs in his weekly column:

"The Sea Dogs took care of their Atlantic Division rivals with three wins, beating Halifax once and Acadie-Bathurst twice. Saint John extended their winning streak to five games and is seeing solid contributions from every line. First overall import draft pick, Stanislav Galiev, is becoming a regular contributor, as he assisted on four goals in a win over the Titan."

To view the article click HERE.

RARE JUNIOR HOCKEY DOUBLE
I don't often post article links to the Telegraph-Journal but this a is an excellent story in today's paper. The article, written by Sea Dogs columnist Peter McGuire, answers a lot of questions about Nicholas Petersen's married life.

To read the article click HERE.

KIRKPATRICK'S TIME TO SHINE
Center Michael Kirkpatrick has a big opportunity to impress NHL scouts who have overlooked him by being named to team QMJHL. This is Kirkpatrick's first Subway Super Series.

"It's a big honour to get selected out of all the great hockey players in the Q,'' Kirkpatrick told the Telegraph-Journal. "It's definitely a big motivation. I'm going to work as hard as I can and hopefully they'll see what I can do.''

Kirkpatrick attended Minnesota Wild training camp in September.

FOUNDATION MAKING CALENDARS
The Dogs Bytes newsletter said on Friday that the Saint John Sea Dogs Foundation will be selling team calendars. They will be "coming soon" said the newsletter. The calendars appear to be of the page turning variety.

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER AND SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE
Be sure to follow Station Nation on Twitter at www.twitter.com/station_nation for breaking news, article links, in-game updates, and TwitPic photos.

Subscribe to us on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/user/StationNationSJ for all the latest Sea Dogs videos.

THUMBS UP-THUMBS DOWN MONDAY

Thumbs Up to...

• Yann Sauve for finally making his way to the thumbs up section. He was very impressive this week and was a +8 in the last three games.
• Nathan Beaulieu for a great scrap on Sunday afternoon. Actually all four fights were very good and caused a terrific game on Sunday.
• Gerard Gallant for naming fan favourite and local hero Mike Thomas team captain.
• Sauve, Petersen, Hoffman, and Kirkpatrick for being named alternate captains.
• all the fans who dressed up on Sunday for Halloween fun day. The on ice parade had to be four times larger than last season.
• Fleaburn. Enough said.
• the changing of the intro video. Much improved.
• Irving for giving out free mini-sticks and noise makers. There was ridiculous amount of noise makers left over.
• Karel St. Laurent and Marc-Antoine Gelinas for some very good goaltending this past week.

Thumbs Down to...

• the Pillar's of Fame. After getting a good look at them this weekend, the order really makes no sense at all.
• Olivier Dame-Malka for his cross-check on Galiev. Just an ugly incident that could have been a lot worse.
• the scouts who run the CHL Top 10. Why they do not go by points alone I will never understand.
• the Acadie-Bathurst Titan for turning the parking lot into a playground. At least they weren't drilling soccer balls at each other like the 2008 Rouyn-Noranda Huskies were in the parking lot.
• the Saint John media for some very strange coverage. Neither the Telegraph-Journal or News 88.9 had any news on the three Sea Dogs going to the Subway Super Series until a few days after the announcement.
• Titan nation. 1,003 at the K.C. Irving Regional Centre on a Thursday night isn't going to get it down.

DAME-MALKA SUSPENDED FOR CROSS-CHECK

Acadie-Bathurst Titan defenseman Olivier Dame-Malka has been suspended for four games by the QMJHL. The incident occurred when he cross-checked Sea Dogs forward Stanislav Galiev on Sunday.

He viciously attacked the Russian in front of the Titan goal at 14:46 of the third period. He was thrown out of the game and the Sea Dogs were given a five minute power play which Simon Despres scored on 10 seconds later.

Galiev stayed face down on the ice for several minutes with Saint John athletic therapist Jeff Kelly. He didn't go to the dressing room or even miss a shift following the stick work.

The decision was rendered after reviewing the videotape of the incident and after consulting all concerned parties. You can see the cross-check at the 4:54 mark of THIS video.

In accordance with the QMJHL policy in the matter of disciplinary sanctions, the Disciplinary Prefect will not be available for further comment.

SAUVE WINS WEEKLY AWARD

Yann Sauve was named QMJHL defensive player of the week this afternoon. The Saint John Sea Dogs defenseman splits the honor with Shawinigan defenseman Charles-Olivier Roussel who wins offensive honors.

"In three Sea Dogs victories, Sauvé collected one goal and four assists," said a QMJHL press release. "Moreover, the bruising back-liner posted a remarkable +8 rating and recorded ten hits. Following five consecutive wins, Saint John has taken over the top spot in the Atlantic Division standings."

Sea Dogs goaltender Marc-Antoine Gelinas was also considered for the award.

Sauve becomes the sixth Sea Dog to win the defensive player of the week award. He joins Jason Churchill, Alex Grant (three), and Simon Despres. The 19 year old Quebec native was recently named to represent team QMJHL for the fourth time in the Subway Super Series.

"I think the team is working together and we're having fun,'' Sauve told the Telegraph-Journal following yesterday's win. "We're playing as a team and I'm looking forward to the rest of the season.''

"We came back late from Halifax (after Saturday night's 4-0 win over the Mooseheads), so we had to keep it simple,'' Sauve said about the victory over Acadie-Bathurst. "In the second (period) we let down a bit and they got some momentum, but in the third we just played our game.''

POST GAME HIGHLIGHTS: Titan vs Sea Dogs

SeaDogsTV highlights of the Sea Dogs 6-1 win over Bathurst on Sunday afternoon.

SEA DOGS WIN AN EPIC DUEL

STATION NATION POST-GAME
Saint John – Hockey was at its best on Sunday afternoon at Harbour Station. The score was lopsided but the game was as entertaining as a UFC match. Four fights took place in a 6-1 Sea Dogs victory over the Acadie-Bathurst Titan.

"Bathurst is one of our biggest rivals and I think we sent them a pretty good message out there today,” said Nathan Beaulieu following the Saint John victory. Beaulieu had one of the best fights of the season as he stood toe-to-toe with Bryce Milson.

Saint John’s offense exploded yet again as six different players scored goals on Sunday. Goaltender Karel St. Laurent was 6:23 away from his second career shut-out.

Scoring the lone goal for the Titan was Derek Famulare.

Saint John opened the scoring at 4:09 of the first period. Stephen MacAulay fed a nice backhand pass to Yann Sauve who made it 1-0.

Eric Faille was interfered with on a breakaway at 8:12 and was given a second opportunity in the form of a penalty shot. His shot was stopped by Karel St. Laurent who sported the Marty Turco like shootout stance.

It looked as if Olivier Oullet had made it 2-0 but was overruled by the men upstairs. His shot took a ding off both the crossbar and post and stayed out. Nobody on the ice thought it went in but the goal horn went off prematurely and caused a review.

Nathan Beaulieu made it 2-0 off a blast from the point at 11:20. A couple minutes later Mike Hoffman lifted a backhander from close range over the glove of Titan goalie Guillaume Nadeau to make it 3-0.

St. Laurent made 10 saves including two breakaways in the first period. Saint John had 16 shots.

It was a scoreless second period but was very entertaining.

St. Laurent stopped yet another breakaway to start the second period. He stopped Jonathan Lessard with a pad save.

Fredericton native Zach Phillips got into his first career QMJHL fight at 9:03. He and Alexis Bernier both got some good shots in and was declared a draw. Then following a scramble in front of the Titan goal, Olivier Malka gave Stanislav Galiev and Olivier Ouellet a face wash with his glove.

Jonathan Huberdeau almost added to his list of incredible goals this season. He completely fooled a Titan defender and made an amazing move around Nadeau but couldn’t slip it home.

Despite not having the better chances, Bathurst outshot Saint John 7-6 in the second.

After a horrible giveaway by a Titan defenseman Mike Thomas scored his first of the season. Thomas ripped home a shot from the hash marks that Nadeau had no chance on at 4:26.

The ensuing faceoff caused a round of fisticuffs between Beaulieu and Milson. Both players got some great shots in what is the fight of the year so far. Beaulieu was given the decision following the take down and brought the Harbour Station faithful to their feet.

At 5:16 Galiev pushed home the puck in a scramble to give the Dogs a 5-0 lead. The celebration was short lived with Simon Despres getting mixed up with some frustrated Titan forwards and caused a scrum.

Following some good Sea Dog scoring chances, Stephen MacAulay and Julien Tremblay dropped the gloves at 12:13. The fight was a draw with both players being slip apart by the officials.

At 13:37 it was heartbreak for St. Laurent who was out of position to make the save off the stick of Derek Famulare. That made it 5-1 Saint John.

Olivier Malka gave a very dangerous cross check to the face of Galiev. The Russian rookie was down for several minutes with Sea Dogs athletic therapist Jeff Kelly. He would be okay and wouldn’t miss a shift. On the ensuing power play Simon Despres made no mistake to make it 6-1 at 14:56.

It looked like Mike Hoffman made it 7-1 by slipping a shot by Nadeau that squeaked in. The goal went under review and was deemed no goal after a long delay.

It wouldn’t be a physical game without Mike Thomas now would it? The new Sea Dogs captain dropped the goals with Vincent Arseneau with Thomas taking him down.

The win keeps Saint John in first place in the Atlantic division. The Sea Dogs have now won five straight games. The Titan were outshot 39-22 through three periods.

NOTES: Decent crowd for a Sunday afternoon. The attendance was 3, 702… the Halloween costume parade took so long that the Zamboni’s had to come out to clean the ice with only a few minutes left in the first intermission… the 50/50 winner was a member of the Titan fan bus that made the trek up… Nathan Beaulieu spent almost the entire third period in the box as he picked up a 10 minute penalty for taking his helmet off prior to the fight. The fight was lucky to have taken place with the linesman just about to step in… Danick Gauthier could have easily had a hat trick but was denied by Nadeau… St. Laurent got the start in goal after a Marc-Antoine Gelinas shutout on Saturday… Saint John allowed an alarming number of breakaways to the Titan… Saint John went 2/6 on the power play and kept the Titan to 0/6… the Titan took their pre-game stretching to the parking lot where they were almost run over several times… a ridiculous amount of Irving noisemakers were given out… Vincent Arseneau did some showboating in the penalty box. The likes included a nice wave to the crowd following the Titan’s lone goal... the Malka cross check will likely cause a suspension.

NEXT GAME: Saint John Sea Dogs vs Chicoutimi Sagueneens. Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 8:00 pm at Centre Georges-Vezina.

Sea Dogs blank Moose 4-0

News 95.7's Halifax Mooseheads play-by-play man John Moore wraps up a 4-0 Sea Dogs victory at the Metro Centre on Saturday night.

Pink in the Rink

It was 'pink in the rink' last night when the Sea Dogs shut-out the Mooseheads 4-0 at the Metro Centre.

PRE-GAME: Acadie-Bathurst Titan vs Saint John Sea Dogs

Game Day
Acadie-Bathurst Titan vs Saint John Sea Dogs
Today, October 25, 2009 @ 4:00 pm
Harbour Station

Visiting Team: Acadie-Bathurst Titan
Record: 7-7-1-2 (5th in Atlantic Division)
Last Game: 4-2 Win vs Halifax on Friday
Leading Scorer: Taylor Lambke: 17-6-11-17
Notes: The Titan have no NHL draft picks… they have lost both games against Saint John this season… The Acadie-Bathurst Titan acquired forward Yuri Cheremetiev from the Halifax Mooseheads on Friday. The Titan also picked up a fifth-round pick in the 2011 draft in the deal, with Halifax receiving a third-round pick in 2011. The 20-year-old Cheremetiev has three goals and four assists in 14 games this season. He and his Dad drove to Bathurst and will make his Titan debut today… 4-3-1-0 on the road this season.

Home Team: Saint John Sea Dogs
Record: 12-4-1-0 (1st in Atlantic Division)
Last Game: 4-0 Win @ Halifax yesterday
Leading Scorer: Steven Anthony: 15-9-7-16; Stanislav Galiev: 17-5-11-16
Notes: 5-2-0-0 at Harbour Station this season… with 25 points, they are tied for first overall in the QMJHL with Drummondville and Quebec… have won four straight games… Tomas Jurco will not play due to chicken pox. He has missed the last two games as well… Marc-Antoine Gelinas is coming off a 4-0 shutout in Halifax. He made 40 saves for his second shutout of the season… the Sea Dogs had goals from three different lines last night… defeated Bathurst in a shootout on September 11 at the K.C. Irving Regional Centre. Jonathan Huberdeau, who had two assists last night, scored the shootout winner… Galiev is tied for second in rookie scoring in the QMJHL.

Saint John vs Acadie-Bathurst:
This Season (GP-W-L-OTL-SOL-PTS):
2-2-0-0-0-4
Home: 0-0-0-0-0-0
Road: 2-2-0-0-0-4
Goals For: 9
Goals Against: 5

Last Season (GP-W-L-OTL-SOL-PTS):
8-7-0-0-1-15
Home: 4-4-0-0-0-8
Road: 4-3-0-0-3-7
Goals For: 27
Goals Against: 19

All-Time- Not Including This Season (GP-W-L-OTL-SOL-PTS):
36-14-19-1-2-31
Home: 18-8-13-0-1-17
Road: 18-6-6-1-1-14
Goals For: 112
Goals Against: 141

Station Nation Facts:

• A win for Saint John will give them a perfect 3-0 week.
• It is Halloween Fun Day at Harbour Station. There will be free candy, a costume contest, the special 4-for-$40 ticket package will be available, a kids play area, and post-game autographs. The play area this week will feature a magic show for all ages.
• The Sea Dogs carved pumpkins this week and will be auctioned off during tonight’s game via silent auction. Proceeds go to P.R.O Kids Saint John.

Important Info:
Venue: Harbour Station
Capacity: 6,297

Saint John Media: Radio- News 88.9 FM (http://www.news889.com/)
Live Video Streaming: http://www.qmjhl.mytelus.com/
Post-Game Coverage: http://www.stationnation.blogspot.com/, Telegraph-Journal
Post-Game Highlights: http://www.youtube.com/user/seadogstv

GELINAS SHUTS OUT MOOSE

STATION NATION POST-GAME
Halifax – Make the Saint John Sea Dogs 1-0 on pink ice. In rather convincing fashion, Marc-Antoine Gelinas and the Sea Dogs shut-out the Mooseheads 4-0 on Saturday night.

It was ‘pink in the rink’ night at the Metro Centre, with the ice painted pink. But the Moose could not place that shade of colour on the goal lamp and were shut-out for the first time this season.

Marc-Antoine Gelinas recorded his second shut-out of the season making 40 saves. His other shut-out was by the same score of 4-0.

Saint John opened the scoring at 7:12 of the first period with Halifax native Steven Anthony scoring his team leading ninth of the season. Michael Kirkpatrick feed Anthony with a beautiful pass from the corner. Anthony wristed a shot from just inside the circle and went under the crossbar for a four-on-four goal.

It became 2-0 at 12:06 when Stanislav Galiev scored on a breakaway. Nicholas Petersen sent Galiev in behind the defense and beat Mathieu Corbeil down low. The goal was Galiev’s second in three games. In that span he also has three assists.

Halifax outshot Saint John 14-12 in the first period.

Another Halifax native, Stephen MacAulay, made it 3-0 at 2:37 of the second period. MacAulay’s first shot was stopped by Corbeil but he picked up his own rebound and went five hole on the Mooseheads goalie.

At 18:14 Nicholas Petersen made it 4-0 on a three-on-three rush. Petersen was part of a tic-tac-toe with Olivier Oullet and Jonathan Huberdeau. Oullet gave a terrific pass to speeding Petersen who slipped it home.

Saint John outshot Halifax 15-11 in the second period.

In the third it was all Gelinas who made several great saves to help secure a Saint John victory. With the win he improves to 9-3-0 on the season. His other 4-0 shutout came on October 11 in Cape Breton.

The Mooseheads could not contain Saint John’s lethal offense despite their efforts. Mathieu Corbeil falls to 1-10-0 on the season. Joel Grondin, the Mooseheads backup goalie, is winless on the season.

Final shots were 39-40 in favour of Halifax. Neither team could connect on the power play.

NOTES: The attendance was 6,777… in addition to the pink ice, Halifax wore pink jerseys. This is the second ‘pink in the rink’ night at the Metro Centre as they hosted the event last season as well… Saint John has now won four straight games which ties a season high… the Sea Dogs remain in top spot in the Atlantic division… in the basement of the Atlantic is Halifax who falls to a league worst 1-15-0-1 on the season… the Herd have lost nine straight games… Mike Hoffman had his three game goal scoring streak snapped… D Alex MacDonald (healthy), D Konrad Abeltshauser (wrist), F Gabriel Desjardins (flu), and D Sawyer Hannay (healthy) were scratched for Halifax… Gabriel Bouret and Tomas Jurco were scratched for Saint John… Jurco will miss tomorrow's game as well due to chicken pox... Saint John has now outscored the Moose 10-1 in two games this season.

NEXT GAME: Acadie-Bathurst Titan vs Saint John Sea Dogs. Sunday, October 25, 2009, at 4:00 pm at Harbour Station.

PRE-GAME: Saint John Sea Dogs vs Halifax Mooseheads

Game Day
Saint John Sea Dogs vs Halifax Mooseheads
Tonight, October 24, 2009 at 7:00 pm
Halifax Metro Centre

Visiting Team: Saint John Sea Dogs
Record: 11-4-1-0 (1st in Atlantic Division)
Last Game: 5-2 Win @ Acadie-Bathurst on Thursday
Leading Scorer: Steven Anthony: 14-8-7-15; Stanislav Galiev: 16-4-11-15
Notes: This is the first visit to Halifax this season… the Sea Dogs have won three straight games… Mike Hoffman is coming off a hat trick on Thursday in Bathurst. He has scored six goals in his last three games… Saint John defeated Halifax 6-1 earlier this season. The game was much closer than the score indicates… Tomas Jurco will miss this game due to chicken pox. He will not play tomorrow vs Bathurst either… Stanislav Galiev had four assists on Thursday. He assisted on all three of Hoffman’s goals… the line of Hoffman-Galiev-Petersen has been on fire in the last few games... center Michael Kirkpatrick will be in the line-up after leaving the game late in the third period on Thursday… Steven Anthony recorded his first career hat trick on September 20 of this season in a win over the Moose… Saint John is tied for second place in the QMJHL.

Home Team: Halifax Mooseheads
Record: 1-14-0-1 (6th in Atlantic Division)
Last Game: 4-2 loss @ Acadie-Bathurst Yesterday
Leading Scorer: Travis Randell: 16-7-8-15; Tomas Knotek: 15-8-7-15
Notes: The Mooseheads have no NHL draft picks… no players from the Moose were chosen to play in the 2009 Subway Super Series… they have the worst record in the QMJHL… the Moose have only one win in 16 games this season. The fewest wins in one season in franchise history was 17 in 2003-04… former Sea Dog Pascal Amyot is a team low -12… The Acadie-Bathurst Titan acquired forward Yuri Cheremetiev from the Halifax Mooseheads on Friday. The Titan also picked up a fifth-round pick in the 2011 draft in the deal, with Halifax receiving a third-round pick in 2011. The 20-year-old Cheremetiev has three goals and four assists in 14 games this season… The Mooseheads released free agent invite Lester Brown earlier this week… Halifax acquired former Moncton Wildcat Paul Dimitruk off waivers.

Saint John vs Halifax:
This Season (GP-W-L-OTL-SOL-PTS):
1-1-0-0-0-2
Home: 1-1-0-0-0-2
Road: 0-0-0-0-0-0
Goals For: 6
Goals Against: 1

Last Season (GP-W-L-OTL-SOL-PTS):
8-5-3-0-0-10
Home: 4-2-2-0-0-4
Road: 4-3-1-0-0-6
Goals For: 32
Goals Against: 28

All-Time-Not including this season (GP-W-L-OTL-SOL-PTS):
26-11-13-1-1-24
Home: 13-6-6-1-0-13
Road: 13-5-7-0-1-11
Goals For: 86
Goals Against: 103

Station Nation Facts:

• The ice at the Metro Centre will be painted pink tonight is support of breast cancer research. The Mooseheads will also wear pink jerseys in the second annual ‘Pink in the Rink Night.’
• Saint John played their first road game in franchise history in Halifax at the Metro Centre.
• Two former Sea Dogs play for the Mooseheads: Pascal Amyot and Matthew Stoddard.
• The Mooseheads were expected to finish last in the league by almost every news publication.
• Halifax is reportedly not finished making roster moves. They have been very active over the past two weeks on the trade front.
• John Moore, voice of the Mooseheads on News 95.7, always has some good post-game content on his website at http://www.sportsandmoore.com/. He has lots of video’s posted on his site.

Important Info:
Venue: Halifax Metro Centre
Capacity: 10,595

Saint John Media: Radio- News 88.9 FM (http://www.news889.com/)
Live Video Streaming: http://www.qmjhl.mytelus.com/
Post-Game Coverage: Chronicle Herald, Metro Halifax, http://www.stationnation.blogspot.com/
Post-Game Highlights: http://www.sportsandmoore.com/

SEA DOGS NOTEBOOK

KIRKPATRICK OKAY FOLLOWING GAME
Center Michael Kirkpatrick is “fine” after leaving Thursday’s game in the third period and not returning. Sea Dogs athletic therapist Jeff Kelly said on the Sea Dogs Twitter page that he had the wind knocked out of him. He will be in the line-up on Saturday.

JURCO HAS THE POX
Slovakian import Tomas Jurco missed Thursday’s game because he has come down with a case of chicken pox. Jurco will not play Saturday or Sunday and is questionable for the Sea Dogs three game Quebec road trip next weekend. In 15 games this season he has four goals and four assists.

PINK ICE AT THE M.C.
The Sea Dogs travel to Halifax to take on the Mooseheads on Saturday night at 7:00 pm (6:55 pm, News 88.9). The game will be the Herd’s ‘Pink in the Rink’ night but will feature more than just pink sweaters. In honor of breast cancer research, the Metro Centre ice will be painted pink. Lewiston is also painting their ice pink this season.

ANNUAL COACHING CLINIC ANNOUNCED
Hockey Canada’s Atlantic Regional Centre and the Saint John Sea Dogs have partnered in offering local minor hockey coaches an opportunity to participate in a Coaching Development Day on November 14th. Coaches will have an opportunity to take part in information sessions, workshops, evaluate the Saint John Sea Dogs game against the Acadie Bathurst Titan, and review the game with Sea Dogs coaching staff. Registration to the Coaching Development Day is limited to the first 50 coaches.

To view more details about the clinic click HERE.

HAT TRICK OR TREAT
Sunday’s game at Harbour Station has been designated Halloween Fun Day when the Dogs host Acadie-Bathurst. The game will feature free candy, a costume contest, post-game autographs, and the special 4-for-$40 ticket package. Game time is 4:00 pm.

SEA DOGS 5 – TITAN 2 CANADIAN PRESS GAME RECAP
Mike Hoffman's hat trick lifted the Saint John Sea Dogs over the Acadie-Bathurst Titan 5-2 on Thursday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action.

Hoffman put the Sea Dogs up 2-0, scoring just 10 seconds apart midway through the first period for his fourth and fifth of the season.

Eric Faille and Cameron Critchlow each scored for Acadie-Bathurst (6-7-3) to tie the game 2-2 after one.

Hoffman completed his hat trick on the power play at 11:27 of the second period, giving Saint John a lead it would not relinquish.

At Bathurst, N.B., Danick Gauthier and Nicholas Pard also scored for the Sea Dogs (11-4-1), who went 2-for-4 with the man advantage.

Titan goalie Marc-Antoine Gelinas picked up the win with 16 saves while Nicholas Champion was far busier at the other end, stopping 35 of 40 shots.

DIDO ON HIS ROAD TO RECOVERY

Saint John Sea Dogs alumni Chris DiDomenico is on his road to recovery. A Toronto Star article today said the DiDomenico will have knee surgery soon and will make a full recovery. The Maple Leafs prospect broke his femur during last years playoffs with Drummondville.

To view the article click HERE.

"Things happen and I say everything happens for a reason," DiDomenico said. "I can't look back on it. It's in the past. I've got to move forward."

The former Sea Dog broke his femur in a nasty collision on May 5 during a game of the QMJHL final in Shawinigan. 'Dido' was traded by the Sea Dogs in January in exchange for the rights to Mike Hoffman and a first round draft pick (Jonathan Huberdeau). The Ontario native found out about the trade following the gold medal game of the 2009 World Junior Hockey Championships.

"To his credit, he's worked very hard," said Anthony Belza, the Leafs' strength and conditioning coach. "There's obviously a lot of focus necessary to do this kind of work. He's been really professional about it."

DiDomenico also has his own locker in the Maple Leafs dressing room at their practice facility.

HOFFMAN DOES IT AGAIN

STATION NATION POST-GAME
Bathurst – Mike Hoffman has done it again. For the second straight game the sniper has almost single handedly won the game for the Sea Dogs. He netted a hat trick on Thurday night in Saint John’s 5-2 win over the Acadie-Bathurst Titan.

Stanislav Galiev assisted on all three of Hoffman’s goals. Also scoring for Saint John was Danick Gauthier and Nicholas Pard.

The Titan replied with goals from Cameron Critchlow and Eric Faille.

It was a crazy first period play with four goals getting by the two team’s goaltenders.

Mike Hoffman opened the scoring at 10:14. Yann Sauve took a blast from the point that was tipped by the Kitchener native to make it 1-0.

Just ten seconds later Hoffman was at it again. He went in on a breakaway and beat Nicholas Champion five hole to make it 2-0 Sea Dogs.

But the Titan started their climb back at 13:41 when Cameron Critchlow scored on the doorstep. That was Critchlow’s first goal of the season.

Bathurst tied it just 49 seconds later when Julien Tremblay’s strong play allowed Eric Faille to score his fifth of the season. Sea Dogs center Michael Kirkpatrick thought it had hit the score clock but the officials call stood tall.

Following the pair of goals the Sea Dogs went to the power play but were denied by Champion. Steven Anthony was stopped and then Nicholas Petersen ripped a shot off the Titan net minder’s head.

Saint John outshot Bathurst 15-6 in the first period.

Mike Thomas, wearing his freshly stitched ‘C’ on is sweater, got into a bout of fisticuffs with fellow New Brunswicker Marshall Worden. Thomas through continuous right hands and won the fight in the battle of heavyweights. Thomas knocked out Worden in a fight last season at Harbour Station.

At 11:27 Saint John scored to make it 3-2. Who else but Mike Hoffman blasted a shot from the top of the right faceoff circle for his first Sea Dogs hat trick. The goal was on a two man advantage and had News 88.9’s Tim Roszell calling his shot a “bazooka.”

Saint John got back their two goal lead with a goal by Danick Gauthier at 14:54. A pass from Petersen was deflected and went right to Gauthier for his fifth of the season.

Following the goal Bathurst’s Vincent Arseneau took a trip to the sin bin at 15:59. On the ensuing power play Petersen ripped a shot square off the post and right to Michael Kirkpatrick but he couldn’t connect.

Shots were 11-8 in favour of Saint John in the second period.

Saint John continued their strong offensive display in the third with a number of quality scoring chances.

Mike Hoffman had a good chance to get his fourth goal of the game but could not beat Champion. Following the play he was tripped up but no call was made.

Near the end of the third period Michael Kirkpatrick left the game with an unknown injury. He went down the K.C. Irving Regional Centre tunnel with athletic therapist Jeff Kelly.

A few minutes later referee Tim Conners was hit in the mouth by a deflected puck from Jonathan Lessard. He left the game immediately and was bleeding badly from his jaw region.

With the Sea Dogs shorthanded Bathurst pulled Champion from his net. Stephen MacAulay could have iced the game but the post of the empty cage.

Than a two-on-one for the Titan gave the Dogs a bit of a scare but was broken up by Kevin Gagne.

Nicholas Pard secured the win for Saint John when he blasted a shot from inside the right circle. That made it 5-2 and would be the final.

Saint John outshot the Titan 40-19 through three periods. Sea Dogs goaltender Marc-Antoine Gelinas was never really tested but still got the win and improved to 8-3-0. Nicholas Champion took the loss and fell to 5-7-0.

NOTES: The attendance was a dismal 1,003 at the K.C. Irving Regional Centre on Thursday night… Saint John went 2/4 on the power play while Bathurst went 1/4… Galiev had four assists. Three on Hoffman’s goals and the other on Pard’s… Mike Hoffman’s two goals in ten seconds is a new franchise record… no player in Sea Dogs history has had more than three goals in one game… Kirkpatrick left the game and never returned… the win puts Saint John a point ahead of Moncton for top spot in the Atlantic division… with the loss Bathurst falls below the .500 mark in regulation wins and losses… Saint John is now tied for first place in the QMJHL with Quebec and Drummondville. The Volts were named the #1 team in the entire CHL this past week… it’s obvious now that this Hoffman kid can play and the chemistry is starting to show. Losing Kirkpatrick would be a big loss for the Sea Dogs.

NEXT GAME: Saint John Sea Dogs vs Halifax Mooseheads. Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 7:00 pm at Halifax Metro Centre.

PASSINGHAM STILL ON FIRE

Former Saint John Sea Dogs goaltender Troy Passingham continues to play like a young Roberto Luongo in Windsor.

Passingham is 8-2-1 in 12 games with the Memorial Cup champion Spitfires. He has an amazing 2.33 GAA and a 0.918 save percentage.

The CHL newsletter recently had a story on him. Excerpts can be seen below.

The 19-year-old from Mississauga, ON was named the Boston Pizza OHL player of the week after winning all three of his starts last week and helping the Spitfires improve to an OHL-best 9-3-0-1 in 13 games this season.

Passingham's best game of the season came earlier this month when he made 33 saves in a shutout win on home ice over the rival London Knights. He has picked up two more shutouts since then.

"This isn't what I imagined, but I knew I could play here," Passingham told The Windsor Star.

"I really liked him," said Knights' assistant coach Jacques Beaulieu, who was the head coach in Saint John when Passingham was there the past two seasons. "He was real square (to the puck) all the time and technically very good."

Spitfires number one goaltender Josh Unice has been sidelined with a knee injury and is expected to be out until November.

In the ultimate ironic twist, Passingham collects his CHL goaltender of the week award while sporting pads with the Sea Dogs logo on it.

PRE-GAME NOTES: Sea Dogs vs Titan

Saint John Sea Dogs vs Acadie-Bathurst Titan
K.C. Irving Regional Centre
7:30 pm

Media: News 88.9 FM (www.news889.com)

Pre-Game Notes:

• Tomas Jurco will not play tonight due to chicken pox. Jurco is expected to miss Saturday's game in Halifax and Sunday's game against the Titan at Harbour Station. He did not make the trip.
• Second of eight meetings between the two teams.
• Sea Dogs are trying to win third straight game. They've won five of six.
• Stephen MacAulay returns to the lineup after missing the last two games with a lower body injury.
• Benjamin Lecomte is a healthy scratch.
• Gelinas vs Champion is nets.

SEA DOGS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN WELL REPRESENTED

Saint John has been well represented in the Subway Super Series. Here is a look back at those who have participated previously.

2006: Yann Sauve
2007: Yann Sauve
2007: Alex Grant
2007: Simon Despres
2007: Chris DiDomenico
2008: Yann Sauve
2008: Alex Grant
2008: Simon Despres
2008: Chris DiDomenico (did not play due to injury)
2008: Steven Anthony (replaced Chris DiDomenico)

2009: Michael Kirkpatrick

2009: Yann Sauve

2009: Simon Despres

This will be Yann Sauve's franchise high fourth all-star game. Despres will play in his third.

Kirkpatrick joins Chris DiDomenico and Steven Anthony as the only forwards to play for team QMJHL.

Saint John hosted game two of the challenge last season. Russia won the game 4-3 in front of a sold-out Harbour Station. Alex Grant was named second star.

THREE DOGS NAMED TO ALL-STAR TEAM

The Saint John John Sea Dogs will be well represented in the 2009 Subway Super Series. The roster announcement was made today by the two host teams of Drummondville and Shawinigan. The three players will help team QMJHL take on a Russian squad in the annual event.

Michael Kirkpatrick, Yann Sauve, and Simon Despres were named to the league's only all-star event. Stanislav Galiev will likely suit up for the Russian squad. Only Canadian born players can play for team QMJHL.

This will be Kirkpatrick's first time representing team QMJHL. Sauve has played in three Subway Super Series' in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Despres played in the 2007 and 2008 event.

The full roster can be seen below:

Goaltenders

Jake Allen (MTL)

Maxime Clermont (GAT)

Louis Domingue (MON)

Olivier Roy (CAP)

Defensemen

Mark Barberio (MON)

Nicolas Deslauriers (ROU)

Simon Després (SNB)

Brandon Gormley (MON)

Hubert Labrie (GAT)

Charles-Olivier Roussel (SHA)

Yann Sauvé (SNB)

David Savard (MON)

Marco Scandella (VDO)

Forwards

Luke Adam (CAP)

Michaël Bournival (SHA)

Gabriel Bourque (BAC)

Jordan Caron (RIM)

Patrice Cormier (RIM)

Philippe Cornet (ROU)

Sean Couturier (DRU)

Nicolas Deschamps (CHI)

Gabriel Dumont (DRU)

Michael Kirkpatrick (SNB)

Jacob Lagacé (CHI)

Philippe Paradis (SHA)

Maxime Sauvé (VDO)

Kelsey Tessier (QUE)

Marc-Olivier Vachon (DRU)

Drummondville will host the first game of the series on Monday, November 16 at the Marcel-Dionne Centre while Shawinigan will host game two at the Bionest Centre on Wednesday, November 18. Then, Team Russia heads west to play two games versus the OHL and WHL All-Stars. The two games will be broadcasted on RDS and all six games will air on Rogers Sportsnet.

The event formally known as the ADT Canada/Russia Challenge plays a big role in selecting Canada's world junior team, making this a big pair of games for world junior hopefuls Yann Sauve and Simon Despres.

Game 2 of this event was held in Saint John last year.

PRE-GAME: Saint John Sea Dogs vs Acadie-Bathurst Titan

Game Day
Saint John Sea Dogs vs Acadie-Bathurst Titan
Tonight, October 22, 2009 at 7:30 pm
K.C. Irving Regional Centre

Visiting Team: Saint John Sea Dogs
Record: 10-4-1-0 (1st in Atlantic Division)
Last Game: 5-2 Win vs PEI on Sunday
Leading Scorer: Steven Anthony: 13-8-6-14
Notes: This is the first game for Mike Thomas as captain of the Sea Dogs. The alternates will be Kirkpatrick, Sauve, and Petersen… Mike Hoffman has a two game goal scoring streak. In those two games he has scored three goals including the overtime winner on Saturday vs Moncton… Jonathan Huberdeau scored the shootout winning goal on September 11 in Bathurst for Saint John… Thomas is one minute away from 300 career penalty minutes… Stephen MacAulay missed both of last weekend’s games with an upper body injury. His status is unknown… Tyrone Sock, now playing ‘AAA’ in Moncton, had a fight in the season opener in Bathurst… Scott Oke was sent to Quebec ‘AAA’ yesterday… Marc-Antoine Gelinas is expected to start in goal… Saint John has the best road record in the league at 5-2-1-0.

Home Team: Acadie-Bathurst Titan
Record: 6-6-2-1 (5th in Atlantic division)
Last Game: 5-1 loss @ Gatineau on Sunday
Leading Scorer: Taylor Lambke: 15-6-9-15
Notes: The Titan are 2-3-1-1 at home this season… Slovakian import Radovan Pulis went back home after he aggravated a pelvis injury… Bathurst has no NHL draft picks on its roster… they have five New Brunswick born players… Defenceman Maxime Renaud was shipped to the Baie-Comeau Drakkar on Tuesday for a third-round pick in the 2011 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Entry Draft… veteran Remi Blanchard is -11 in 15 games… the Titan are coming off a three game Quebec road swing. They went 1-2 on the trip.

Saint John vs Acadie-Bathurst:
This Season (GP-W-L-OTL-SOL-PTS):
1-1-0-0-0-2
Home: 0-0-0-0-0-0
Road: 1-1-0-0-0-2
Goals For: 4
Goals Against: 3

Last Season (GP-W-L-OTL-SOL-PTS):
8-7-0-0-1-15
Home: 4-4-0-0-0-8
Road: 4-3-0-0-3-7
Goals For: 27
Goals Against: 19

All-Time-Not including this season (GP-W-L-OTL-SOL-PTS):
36-14-19-1-2-31
Home: 18-8-13-0-1-17
Road: 18-6-6-1-1-14
Goals For: 112
Goals Against: 141

Station Nation Facts:

• Saint John defeated Acadie-Bathurst 4-3 in a shootout on September 11 in the season opener for both clubs. Jonathan Huberdeau scored the shootout winner in his first career QMJHL game.
• This is the second meeting of the season between the two teams and second in Bathurst.
• These two teams face each other on Sunday at Harbour Station.
• The Sea Dogs defeated the Titan in the second round of the 2008 playoffs. The Dogs won the series four games to two.
• Bathurst is second last in league average attendance. The team is averaging only 1,678 fans after a season where the team was very close to moving to St. John’s, Newfoundland.
• The largest crowd of the season for the Titan was the season opener. Saint John was the opponent.
• The Titan moved to Bathurst in 1998 after 27 years in Laval.
• The team’s notables over the years include: Mike Bossy, Mario Lemieux, Martin Lapointe, François Beauchemin, Mathieu Benoit and Roberto Luongo...

Important Info:
Venue: K.C. Irving Regional Centre
Capacity: 3,162

Saint John Media: Radio- News 88.9 FM (http://www.news889.com/)
Live Video Streaming: http://www.qmjhl.mytelus.com/

Post-Game Coverage: Telegraph-Journal, http://www.stationnation.blogspot.com/

SEA DOGS/WILDCATS WARM-UP

A video I took from Saturday night's warm-up featuring Russian prospect Kirill Kabanov.

SEA DOGS NOTEBOOK

THOMAS TOLD TO TONE IT DOWN

A story on CBC New Brunswick's website has stated that head coach Gerard Gallant has asked new captain Mike Thomas to tone down his physical play.

"If I have to fight for my team, I'll do that for my teammates, and I know they'd do the same thing for me," Thomas said.

In five games this season Thomas has 16 penalty minutes and served a six game instigating suspension. He has 299 penalty minutes in his career.

Gallant also discussed his selection of Thomas saying, "To me your captain doesn't have to be your top scorer and your best player."

"From the first time I met him, I see captain qualities in him. It's nothing to do with his toughness, it's just as a person."

2012 COMMITTEE

Sea Dogs majority owner Scott McCain was in town last weekend and a report in the Telegraph-Journal said that he was expected to put together a Memorial Cup bidding committee. No word from this weekend's meetings have been released.

The Sea Dogs failed to win the Top Prospects Game this season but still have their eye on the 2012 Memorial Cup.

H.F. SITS DOWN WITH A.G.

Hockey's Future reporter Holly Gunning sat down with Sea Dogs alumni and former captain Alex Grant on Monday.

The article talks about his adjustment to the pro-level and his thoughts about the Pittsburgh Penguins. He also says he was "disappointed" and "surprised" when the Penguins sent him to the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL, and not the baby Pens of the AHL.

To view the entire article click HERE.

MAYBE NEXT WEEK

The CHL was unkind to the Sea Dogs this week. After a 2-1 week and an overall record of 10-4-1-0, Saint John was given an honorable mention for Week 6 of the BMO CHL Mastercard Top 10 rankings. Drummondville is first this week.

Saint John was given the snub even though they have a better record then #7 Kamloops (8-4-2-0) and #8 Vancouver (8-3-0-2).

A HALLOWEEN TRADITION

It has become as much of a Halloween tradition as trick-or-treating. Today after practice the Dogs took part in the annual pumpkin carving. The pumpkins will be auctioned off via silent auction on Sunday afternoon against the Titan.

This year the proceeds raised will go towards P.R.O. Kids Saint John, a charitable organization who helps kids in the Saint John area participate in events that they themselves are unable to due to financial reasons.

The event also produces some funny pictures. Click HERE to view them.

OVERAGERS ADDED AS ALTERNATES

Sea Dogs head coach Gerard Gallant announced on saintjohnseadogs.com today that overage forwards Mike Hoffman and Nicholas Petersen have been named the third alternate captain. The two will split the 'A' by switching every 10 games. Petersen will begin the rotation on Thursday in Bathurst.

The two join Michael Kirkpatrick and Yann Sauve as alternates while Mike Thomas will where the 'C'.

Hoffman and Petersen bring a lot of experience to the dressing room. Both were also passed over in the NHL draft before being selected this past summer.

Hoffman has played two plus years in the QMJHL with Gatineau, Drummondville, and currently Saint John. He has played in 128 career games after being passed over in the OHL. He helped the Volts advance to the Memorial Cup last season and played in both games of the ADT Canada/Russia Challenge.

Petersen has also played in two plus seasons with Shawinigan and now the Sea Dogs. He also played in one game of the ADT Canada/Russia challenge.

SEA DOGS RELEASE OKE

Saint John Sea Dogs director of hockey operations Mike Kelly announced today that the team has released forward Scott Oke. He has been sent to Charles Lemoyne College of the QCMAAA.

Oke was drafted in the third round (#37) of this year's QMJHL entry draft. He has played in nine games this season with most being played while star forwards were away at NHL training camps. He has no points and is a -4 with no penalty minutes this season.

The 16 year old St. Lambert, Quebec native had 7G-15A-22P-20PIM in 44 games with Charles Lemoyne College last year.

SEA DOGS NAME THOMAS CAPTAIN

Saint John Sea Dogs head coach Gerard Gallant finally named team captain and assistant captains this afternoon. Mike Thomas will where the "C" while Michael Kirkpatrick and Yann Sauve will wear the "A's."

The selection ends two months of speculation. The captaincy roll was expected to be between Kirkpatrick and Thomas going into training camp.

Thomas becomes the fifth captain in Sea Dogs franchise history. Vincent Lambert (2005-2006), Charles Bergeron (2005-2007), David McDonald (2007), Alex Grant (2007-2009), and David Stich (2009). Thomas has worn an "A" on his sweater six times, five this season and once in 2006-2007.

The 19 year old Fredericton native has no points in five games this season. He is one minute away from 300 career penalty minutes. In 185 QMJHL games with Saint John he has 14G-25A-39P-299PIM.

Kirkpatrick has worn an "A" for 62 career games. Sauve has been an assistant captain for nine career games, all this season. Both players, including Thomas, went to NHL camps.

According to the Sea Dogs official Twitter page, Thomas and the Sea Dogs will be featured on CBC New Brunswick News at 6:00 pm.