2016-17 schedule released

The QMJHL unveiled its 2016-17 regular season schedule on Monday.

As expected, the season will start on Sept. 22, which is 12 days later than the start of the 2015-16 season. The season will end at nearly the same time in March.

The first game of the year will feature the QMJHL champion Rouyn-Noranda Huskies hosting the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada on Sept. 22 at Iamgold Arena.

The Saint John Sea Dogs will start the season on the road, taking on the Islanders in Charlottetown on Sept. 23. The team will then travel to Halifax to face Benoit-Olivier Groulx and the Halifax Mooseheads on Sept. 24 before heading home to host the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles on Sept. 30.

Some other observations on the Sea Dogs’ schedule:

• The Moncton Wildcats make their first visit to Harbour Station on Oct. 1.
• Saint John hits the highway for a franchise and season high five-game Quebec road trip beginning on Oct. 7 in Quebec City and ending on Oct. 15 in Val-d’Or. That will be followed by five straight home games.
• The Sea Dogs will travel outside the Maritimes for just three trips this season.
• Saint John’s last game of the first half will be on Dec. 17 when they host the Islanders.
• The Acadie-Bathurst Titan will take on the Sea Dogs at 2 p.m. on New Year’s Eve at Harbour Station. If you're wondering, Canada will face the United States at 4:30 p.m. at the world juniors that day.
• The Sea Dogs’ final home game is on March 11 against the Mooseheads.
• As usual, Saint John will end the regular season on a three-game road trip. The team’s final game is on March 18 in Halifax.

Of note, Saint John’s Friday games will start at 7 p.m. this year, like they did in the playoffs. Sunday home games will start at 3 p.m. It also appears several week day games will start at 8 p.m., likely due to Rogers TV commitments. 

Saint John’s full schedule can be found here.