Sea Dogs Notebook

BUSY TIMES

Tonight’s game in Bathurst kicks off a busy stretch for the Sea Dogs. Here’s a look at their next six games.

Tonight – at Bathurst

Friday – vs PEI

Saturday – at Moncton

Monday – vs Moncton

Wednesday, Jan. 4 – vs Gatineau

Saturday, Jan. 7 – at Halifax

The final day of the World Junior Hockey Championship is Thursday, January 5.

SURPRISE SURPRISE

Danick Gauthier has been named the QMJHL’s surprising player of the first half by Sportsnet. Gauthier enters action tonight in a tie for the league lead in goals with 31.

“The defending MasterCard Memorial Cup champions were going to need someone to step up to alleviate some of the departures via junior graduation,” writes Patrick King of Sportsnet. “An enhanced role for Gauthier turned into instant results for the overage forward, who's enjoying his finest season yet. Although he's not the player who will receive the majority of attention from the opposition, game-plans now feature him to some length.”

Gauthier has already scored more goals this season than his previous QMJHL season totals combined. With all the injuries the Sea Dogs had in the first half, they are very fortunate that Gauthier has stepped

it up offensively this year.

The Armada were named Sportsnet’s surprising team. Gatineau's Garrett Clarke and the PEI Rocket were an the disappointing ends.

TEST

The Sea Dogs are one of the questions in the National Post’s 2011 in sports year-end quiz.

24. The Saint John Sea Dogs watched the movie Bridesmaids during the Memorial Cup, then made sure the term could not be applied to them in the final. Who was the runner-up in the tournament?
(a) Kootenay Ice
(b) Mississauga St. Michael’s Majors
(c) Owen Sound Attack
(d) Bridesmaids? Has Slap Shot gone the way of the video store?

We’re not sure if this cool or kind of embarrassing.

UNDER-17

Oliver Cooper and Team Atlantic play Team USA tonight in exhibition action at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. They begin the preliminary round of the tournament tomorrow afternoon at 3pm against Quebec.

The Daily Gleaner had an article on Cooper and some of his former AAA teammates earlier this week before they travelled to Windsor, Ont. to take part in the tournament.

"It's good to just learn from them and watch what they do in practice and watch what their habits are," said Cooper about playing with the Sea Dogs this season.

"They know how to win, they know what it takes. They have a great work ethic."

Cooper is 17^th in QMJHL rookie scoring with eight goals and 11 assists.

BRICKLEY HURT

Connor Brickley, the University of Vermont forward whose QMJHL rights are held by Saint John, had his leg sliced by a skate in Team USA’s tournament opener on Monday. He left the game immediately and didn’t return.

He isn’t playing for the US today against Finland. According to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, there is no real return date set for his return.

Brickley, a Florida Panthers prospect, has eight goals and two assists in 15 games with Vermont this year.

WINGS PROSPECTS

There are five Detroit Red Wings prospects playing in this year’s world juniors. One of them is Tomas Jurco. The Hockey Writers took a look at all five of the Detroit affiliated players.

“Largely considered a steal for Detroit after somehow slipping to the 2nd round, Jurco has been called ‘the next Pavel Datsyuk’ by many thanks to his creative stick work,” writes Andrew Johnson.

COYLE

The Minnesota Wild prospect blog First Round Bust had a post yesterday on the first day of the world juniors. Charlie Coyle was the good.

It's been a long ten days for the former Boston University and future Saint John Sea Dog. Despite all the attention Coyle has received - both good and bad - he came to play. Playing on a line with fellow Minnesota prospect Jason Zucker and Blackhawks prospect Brandon Saad, Coyle scored a goal in each period and was the best American player on the ice in their 11-3 win over Denmark.

There are quite a few legit Minnesota prospects playing in this tournament.

NYE GAME

Just a quick note – this Saturday’s New Year’s Eve game in Moncton will be played at 4pm – not 7pm. Plan your lives accordingly. 

Photo Credit: Marc Henwood/Station Nation