DOGS DAILY: Dogs To Bid On 2019 Cup

The Telegraph-Journal reported yesterday (paywall) that the Sea Dogs intend to bid on the 2019 Memorial Cup.

The Sea Dogs previously bid on the 2012 Memorial Cup but it was, for whatever reasons you believe in, awarded to Shawinigan. Saint John opted not to bid on the 2015 tournament.

It seems as though the 2017 tournament, which was once rumoured to be heading to the QMJHL, will stick to the current cycle and be held in the OHL. The 2018 edition, which will be the 100^th anniversary of the Memorial Cup, is expected to be held somewhere in Ontario.

It won’t be the easiest of tasks to ensure Saint John has a good team in 2019. Their current cycle is set to peak next season and they’ll have to quickly build back up again.

In other news…

• The Sea Dogs announced yesterday that they have released defenseman Austin Clapham. The 18-year-old, who spent last season with the OHL’s Sudbury Wolves, had no points in 21 games with Saint John.
• The Sea Dogs website and the CBC have video from yesterday’s news conference that announced Trevor Georgie as the team’s new president.
• The QMJHL website has an article on Saint John’s unique trio of overage players.
• Former Sea Dogs head coach Gerard Gallant has been named the head coach of the Atlantic Division for this year’s NHL All-Star Game in Nashville. There will be four teams – one from each division – taking part in this year’s event.
• The QMJHL announced on Wednesday that they’ve suspended former Sea Dogs captain Olivier LeBlanc for three games following a hit to the head on Oliver Felixson in last Sunday’s Sea Dogs-Screaming Eagles game. There was no penalty call on the play.
• The Sea Dogs are back in action on Saturday when they play the Titan in Bathurst. They then host the Rimouski Oceanic on Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m.

Photo: Marc Henwood/Station Nation