Coyle Expected To Debut Thursday

SAINT JOHN – Charlie Coyle is expected to make his Saint John Sea Dogs debut on Thursday night at Harbour Station.

Sea Dogs head coach Gerard Gallant told the Telegraph-Journal, which is conveniently no longer available for free on the interweb because Brunswick News is streets behind, the former Boston University forward should be in the lineup when the Dogs host the Shawinigan Cataractes in one of the most anticipated home games of the season.

“It’s going to be Charlie’s first game and there will be a few players in the game who played in the world juniors,” Gallant said. 

“There will be a big buzz for that game and it’s going to be quite a battle, which is the way it should be when two good teams play each other. “

Coyle had three goals and 11 assists in 16 games with BU in the first half. He officially announced that he was leaving the college ranks to play junior hockey just prior to Team USA beginning their world junior training camp in Alberta.

In six games with the seventh-place Americans at the World Junior Hockey Championship, Coyle had four goals and an assist. He finished in a tie for the team lead in goals.

While Coyle was the Sea Dogs’ big signing over the past month, the Cataractes are expected to show off their biggest acquisition as well. Brandon Gormley, fresh off a third-place finish with Team Canada at the world juniors, is expected to make his Shawinigan debut.

The Sea Dogs beat the Cataractes 3-2 in an overtime thriller last month at the Station. Thursday’s game should be just as exciting. Getcha popcorn ready.