Sea Dogs Notebook

JURCO

The Detroit Red Wings still haven’t been able to sign Tomas Jurco because of a lack of transfer agreement between the International Ice Hockey Federation and Slovak Ice Hockey Federation. Jurco expects to be playing in the American Hockey League this season.

"I'm expecting myself to play in Grand Rapids this year," he told the Detroit Free Press. "I'll do my best, obviously. I'm going to try to get used to playing men hockey. I hope it won't be problem for me. Maybe I'll get a chance for a couple (NHL) games this year, maybe next year."

In the article published on Sunday, the Free Press also notes that Jurco is still feeling some pain from shoulder injuries he suffered during the Sea Dogs playoff run.

BEAULIEU

A Winning Habit has an article on Habs prospect Nathan Beaulieu.

“The 6-foot-2 defender brings ample amount of talent to the Habs’ blue line,” writes Bradey Williston. “He is known for his quick feet, confidence, puck moving ability and most importantly his leadership. Beaulieu has A reputation for his determination and has no problem lifting the team up on his shoulder in tight game situations. He loves the offensive side of the game and is a natural power-play quarterback.”

PANTHERS

The Rat Trick examined the top prospects of the Florida Panthers who are able to play centre.

“Jonathan Huberdeau is without a doubt the Cats’ top prospect as it stands right now,” writes Kris Eberwein. “Hubby is a centerman and has an amazing eye for the net. In the 2010-11 season with the Saint John Sea Dogs of the QMJHL Hubby put up an astounding 105 points in just 67 games. Granted, he put up these numbers in Juniors but there’s no doubt that this kind of skill will translate nicely to the NHL.”

GRANT

Halifax Mooseheads play-by-play man John Moore posted this video of former Sea Dogs captain Alex Grant training in Halifax last week.

Grant is coming off one of the best seasons of his career. He recorded 10 goals and 27 assists in 61 regular season games with the American Hockey League’s Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He added another seven points in 12 playoff matches.

The first overall pick in the 2005 QMJHL Entry Draft spent three-and-a-half seasons in Saint John from 2005-2009.

CANADA-RUSSIA

Single game tickets are now on-sale for the Canada-Russia Challenge in Halifax next month.

The Russian roster is stacked as well. Going to be an unreal event.

CELEBRATION TOUR

TSN’s SportsCentre will be coming to Bathurst on August 22 as part of the 2012 Kraft Celebration Tour. The Titan are playing host to the Sea Dogs that night – except that game will be played in Tracadie-Sheila.

VILLEMAIRE

Maxime Villemaire was featured in the Quebec newspaper Le Reflet last week. It discusses Villemiare signing with the Coyotes organization and his decision to stick with the Sea Dogs for the second half of last season.

ANDERSON

Those who were worried about the status of Stephen Anderson heading into this season can breathe easy now – his name now appears on the Sea Dogs’ training camp roster. As far as we know, his name was mistakenly left off.

There is certainly some excitement surrounding Anderson heading into training camp. He recorded 16 points in 26 games as a call-up with Saint John last year. He also had 36 points in 31 games with the MHL’s Summerside Western Capitals.

BROWN

Another player looking to make an impact with the Sea Dogs this year is Mackenzie Brown. He had 10 points 39 games with the Woodstock Slammers and two in 13 games with Saint John last year.

“I’m trying to get stronger and faster so I train at UNB and that has helped,” Brown told HockeyScene.com. "Being part of the V Reds Senior Advanced Prospects Camp has helped too. It’s also giving me some extra ice time so I can be ready for the Sea Dogs training camp.”

Photo Credit: Marc Henwood/Station Nation