Sea Dogs Sign OJHL Goaltender

The Hamilton Red Wings of the Ontario Junior A Hockey League have confirmed that goaltender Alex Bishop has signed with the Saint John Sea Dogs.

"It's been decided for about a week and a bit," Bishop said about his decision to sign with Saint John in an article on the team’s website. "The offer's been on the table for about a month, and I've been weighing my options and seeing which is going to be best for me long term."

Bishop, a 17-year-old from Richmond Hill, Ont., has a 4-8 record to go along with a 4.23 goals against average and .890 save percentage in 14 games with the Red Wings this season.

The 6’4”, 203 lbs netminder said the Sea Dogs showed interest in him at the Governor’s Showcase.

“After a while of talking, they put the offer on the table and said they'd like to take me this year,” said Bishop. “I talked to my parents, and we had a couple long discussions and weighed the pros and cons, and I feel this is the right call for me."

Bishop will join Sebastien Auger and Bobby Dugan as goaltenders on the Sea Dogs’ active roster. He’ll replace Blade Mann-Dixon who was reassigned to the Maritime Junior A Hockey League’s Valley Wildcats earlier this week.

"We've added another young goaltender with the potential to be a starter in the QMJHL," said Sea Dogs general manager Darrell Young in a release. "We like his size, his battle level in the net, and his calm nature while under pressure. We are excited about bringing another quality goaltender to our organization and increasing our depth."

The move also gives the Sea Dogs eight Ontario players on their roster.

Saint John takes on the Islanders in Charlottetown tonight. Bishop is expected to be available tomorrow when the Dogs host the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada and on Sunday when they take on the Acadie-Bathurst Titan at Harbour Station.