Pre-Game Plans Announced

SAINT JOHN - The Sea Dogs officially announced today that they will hold a pre-game ceremony prior to tomorrow's game to honour the players who took part in international tournaments over the holidays. Both members of the Sea Dogs and Shawinigan Cataractes will be recognized.

Here's the release from the Sea Dogs.

In recognition of their performances at recent international tournaments, the Saint John Sea Dogs will host a pre-game ceremony Thursday to honour seven players. 

Four Sea Dogs players represented their countries at the World Junior Hockey Championship recently, including bronze medalists Jonathan Huberdeau and Nathan Beaulieu of Canada. Tomas Jurco (Slovakia) also competed at the world juniors as did Charlie Coyle (USA), who will make his Quebec Major Junior Hockey League debut Thursday. Coyle, a six-foot-two, 207-pound forward from Weymouth, Mass., will join his three new teammates in being recognized before Thursday’s 7 p.m. game against the Shawinigan Cataractes. 

Team Canada members Michael Bournival and Brandon Gormley of the Cataractes will be honoured as well. 

The Sea Dogs had one other representative wearing the Maple Leaf over the Christmas holidays. Rookie Oliver Cooper skated for Team Atlantic at the World Under-17 Hockey Challenge. 

All seven players will receive a plaque from the Sea Dogs for their efforts in representing their countries on the international stage. In addition, Sea Dogs Chairman and CEO will join President Wayne Long in presenting Huberdeau and Beaulieu with official Team Canada jerseys at centre ice.

Huberdeau and Beaulieu both returned to the Saint John lineup on Saturday and were honoured by the Mooseheads before that game.