Sea Dogs Notebook

TONIGHT

The Sea Dogs continue their road trip through Quebec tonight with a game against the Chicoutimi Sagueneens. Game time is 8:30pm. If you are considering buying the webcast, the setup in Chicoutimi is one of the worst in the league so you may want to save your money.

It will be the first time these two teams have met since the QMJHL semi-finals where Saint John won in five games. The Sea Dogs were not liked in Chicoutimi last season, so tonight should be interesting.

Saint John’s road trip ends tomorrow in Baie-Comeau. The Dogs faced the Drakkar in the quarter-finals last year.

GALLANT

Mooseheads play-by-play man John Moore posted parts of his interview with former Sea Dogs head coach Gerard Gallant on YouTube. Gallant talks about his new role with the Montreal Canadiens, Stephen MacAulay and Kevin Gagne, and what he’s up to during the lockout.

COOPER

International Scouting Services says Oliver Cooper’s draft stock is on the rise.

“Power forward type, he scored a goal in the game while going to the net for 3 in 8 games and 5th point,” writes ISS. “We see an improvement in his skating over last year. He showed strength, driving the puck to the blue paint. He was involved physically and didn't shy away when things got aggressive. Cooper also logged power play time and looked very able during the 4 on 4 OT period. It was also noted that coach Kelly trusted him to be the only forward in a crucial 5 on 3 pk. Nice progression for this player.”

Cooper has three goals and two assists in 11 games with the Sea Dogs this season. 

TRANSITION

Open Ice Hockey has an article on the Sea Dogs’ transition season. Mike Kelly, Jonathan Huberdeau, and Ryan Tesink are all interviewed in the article.

“You’re tired a little bit,” Huberdeau said about playing long seasons and having short off-seasons. “It’s been three years now. We went far the first year in the playoffs [when we lost in the QMJHL finals to Moncton in 2010] and then two Memorial Cups. For sure it’s a lot of work throughout but it’s part of hockey. Maybe next summer I’ll be freer to get rested and get in the gym a lot.”

THN

The Sea Dogs are featured in the October 29 issue of The Hockey News. From the THN website:

In Last Minute of Play, Larry Humber’s crossword puzzle provides readers with a challenge, Jersey Hound looks at the new third jersey of the Saint John Sea Dogs, and more.

Got the issue in the mail the other day. It’s in there.

RANKINGS

Two current and one former Sea Dog made TSN’s October 15th QMJHL Player Rankings.

No. 14 – Jonathan Huberdeau

No. 17 – Scott Oke

No. 44 – Ryan Tesink

Scott Oke is off to a great start with the Rimouski Oceanic this year. He has five goals and 10 assists in 11 games.

ONE TO WATCH

Dan Rice of The Hockey Writers says Charlie Coyle is one of NHL-caliber AHLers to watch during the lockout.

“Coyle has a lot of expectations on him as the Wild move into a new era, and he & Granlund will be looked at as the pillars of the future there,” writes Rice. “His postseason numbers with the Sea Dogs last season show us that he could be a prime-time player one day in the Twin Cities.”

Coyle has a goal and an assist in two games with Houston this year.

HOFFMAN

Former Sea Dog Mike Hoffman has an assist in two games with the AHL’s Binghamton Senators this season. Silver Sevens gave their take on Hoffman this past week.

Mike Hoffman- Smooth skating, nose for the net, Hoffman has developed his game from last season.

Hoffman, who had made his NHL debut with Ottawa last year, is an assistant captain for the B-Sens this season.

SHOOTOUT

Here’s some fan footage of the Sea Dogs’ shootout against Rouyn-Noranda last Friday at Harbour Station.

FIGHT

Lastly, here’s Devon Oliver-Dares’ fight against Mason Gray last Saturday.

Photo: Marc Henwood/Station Nation