Saab Is Back

The Saint John Sea Dogs confirmed what has been rumoured and have officially brought back 20-year old defenseman Ian Saab.

Saab, who was acquired by the Sea Dogs in the Lewiston Maineiacs dispersal draft, played in 52 regular season games with Saint John last year and recorded two goals, seven assists, and 164 penalty minutes. He added three assists in 12 playoff games and helped the Dogs win the President Cup.

The 6-foot-2, 192-pound Halifax native had 41 penalty minutes and no points in eight games this season with EC Red Bull Salzburg in the Erste Bank Eishockey Liga in Salzburg, Austria.

“We are thrilled to have Ian join our team,” said Sea Dogs head coach and General Manager Mike Kelly in a release. “His experience in the league will certainly benefit our younger players and help solidify our young blue line.”

“He is a quality person who plays the game hard,” Kelly added. “We expect that he will play in all situations for us while providing a physical presence and add to the leadership of the team.”

Saab should some toughness to the Sea Dogs young and rookie filled lineup. He had 15 fights with the Sea Dogs last season.

Adding Saab gives the Dogs three 20-year olds with defenseman Pierre Durepos and Stephen MacAulay being the others. Today’s announcement does give Saint John nine defensemen on their roster so it’ll be interesting to see if any changes are made before Tuesday’s 1pm QMJHL trade deadline.

The Sea Dogs are on the road in Halifax tonight and return home to battle the PEI Rocket tomorrow night.

Photo: Marc Henwood/Station Nation