SEA DOGS NOTEBOOK

MCEWAN RELEASE OFFICIAL
As announced on News 88.9 a week ago, and on Station Nation a few days ago, Robert McEwan has been designated for assignment by Mike Kelly.

The defenseman was believed to have been released last weekend before the Sea Dogs played the Eagles on Saturday. No official announcement from the Sea Dogs was ever made until today.

He was sent to the Summerside Western Capitals of the MJAHL and not the Ontario junior A loop like originally thought. McEwan hopes to be traded at Christmas to a QMJHL team where he will get ice time.

FATHERLY LOVE
A special puck-drop will open the game tonight. The faceoff will be conducted by J.K. Irving and Wallace McCain, fathers of Wildcats owner Robert Irving and Sea Dogs majority owner Scott McCain.

Scott McCain said a few years ago he didn't take his father to a Sea Dogs game until they began winning in 2007.

HARSH WORDS BY REPORTERS
Neil Hodge has some attitude in his Times & Transcript article today about tonight's Sea Dogs/Wildcats tilt.

"Fleaburn, that's the name of the Saint John Flea Dogs (whoops -- Sea Dogs) new mascot this season. This big goofy-looking dog and Moncton Wildcats mascot Wild Willie will go head-to-head in an intermission competition when these Quebec Major Junior Hockey League clubs meet tonight at 7 p.m. at Harbour Station."

"I'm scared to catch fleas from him,'' said Wildcats mascot Wild Willie. "I've been training for this -- jogging, lifting weights and using all the equipment in the Wildcats gym. I want to do my part to help Moncton win the Rivalry Cup again this season.''

Hodge also called the beloved Sea Dogs mascot "Fleabag."

Telegraph-Journal reporter and excellent News 88.9 colour commentator Andrew McGilligan had this to say, "Fleaburn made his triumphant return to Harbour Station this season after years away from the limelight. Fans may have noticed the mascot had packed on a few more pounds since they last saw him. During his time away from the spotlight, with no fans to rally or team to spark, he turned to the buffet table to fill the void left by the noise generated by the Harbour Station faithful."

"Now that he's back, he's enlisted the help of Sea Dogs athletic therapist Jeff Kelly and equipment manager David Kelly to prepare him for tonight's bout with Willie."

The first step was to completely change his diet. "It was completely overhauled - we cut out almost all of his carbs," Jeff Kelly said. "He's getting a lot of fish oil now as well as Vitamin D."

RIVALRY CUP POINT SYSTEM
Saint John currently leads the 2009-10 Brunswick News Rivalry Cup 2-1.

• Head-to-head on ice: Two points for a win in the eight games where they face each other. One point for an overtime or shootout loss.
• Box office: Attendance for all eight games between these clubs will be calculated. Teams are awarded a half point for 70 per cent building capacity, one point for 80 per cent, two points for 90 per cent and three points for 100 per cent.
• Holiday food drive: Five points are awarded to the city that collects the most non-perishable items during a food drive that will take place during home games against each other on New Year's Eve and Jan. 2.
• Mascot challenge: Each club will host two intermission events featuring the mascots. One point is awarded for each victory.
• Road trip challenge: Two points are awarded to the team that has the most fans show up at the opposition's arena wearing Wildcats or Sea Dogs apparel. Fans will parade onto the ice to be counted for one designated game in each city.