Dogs open camp with scrimmages

Kevin Chambers | SN Staff

SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Sea Dogs held their first two scrimmages of training camp on Tuesday with Team Thomas taking game one by a score of 3-2 and cruising to a 6-1 victory in the second contest, sweeping the day over Team Huberdeau.

As expected, the pace was much faster with the veteran players returning to the ice for the first time. The scrimmages certainly did not lack in the physical department, either.

The goal scorers in the morning scrimmage for Team Thomas were Ben Reid (two) and Isiah Campbell. Both were the result of hard work and being in the right spot at the right time. Campbell’s goal was a shot that he redirected in front.

Today's scrimmage rosters.#SJSeaDogs | #PortCityRise pic.twitter.com/bgxar97wkD

— Saint John Sea Dogs (@SJSeaDogs) August 22, 2017

Goal scorers for Team Huberdeau were the veteran Cole Reginato, who finished off an exceptional rush with Joe Veleno, and newcomer Radim Salda, who showed he has plenty of pop in his point shot by letting two hard shots go - the second of which dented the twine.

The second contest of the day saw a six-goal outburst from Team Thomas, which was led by Ben Reid who picked up the hat trick. Reid's goals included a couple of nicely placed wrist shots. He showed a very strong work ethic in both games, was not intimidated despite his smaller stature, and has improved his skating ability since last season.

A couple changes to the scrimmage rosters for this afternoon's match. #SJSeaDogs pic.twitter.com/X4wpi5weNV

— Saint John Sea Dogs (@SJSeaDogs) August 22, 2017

The best goal of the day was started by newly acquired Anthony Boucher who slid a nice pass down low to Cedric Pare, who found an open Alexandre Lafreniere, who made no mistake. Other goal scorers for Team Thomas included Nichloas Cardone and Campbell

Notes:

• The remaining goaltenders - Matthew Williams, Alex D’Orio, Stewart Bagnell, and Joel Goguen - each played half of their respective games.
• Newly acquired forwards Anthony Boucher and William Poirier played in the afternoon contest. Both played well and should be considered solid additions.
• Reid had a very strong day with a combined five goals in the two scrimmages. Campbell also continued his strong play, picking up goals in both contests.
• Czech defenceman Radim Salda had a solid day, showing he has some nice wheels and loves to get involved in the play. He has a hard and accurate shot that should benefit his style to play with a Bailey Webster or Chase Stewart type player.
• Samuel Duchense, who spent time with the Flint Firebirds in the OHL last season, plays a very simple game and stays within his elements. He doesn’t take a lot of chances and showed that, despite not having a lot of point production, he can shoot the puck and uses his gap control quite well.
• The Sea Dogs' other import draft pick, Ostap Safin, is expected to join the club following the Five Nations Tournament.
• The Sea Dogs begin preseason play tonight at Harbour Station against the Acadie-Bathurst Titan.