News and notes from Friday's scrimmages

By Lorne Webster | SN Staff

SAINT JOHN - The first full day of scrimmages at Saint John Sea Dogs training camp is in the books. Here are some news, notes and thoughts from the day.

• It is only day one but there are real signs for optimism with the latest rebuild in Saint John. There are a number of tough decisions to be made with the team’s impressive crop of 2018 draft choices. Even if the QMJHL does grant the Sea Dogs permission to dress five (or even six) 16 year-olds this season, there are sure to be at least three or more rookies who will be required to continue their development outside the QMJHL - and yet likely to be key contributors to the team next season.
• In the Friday morning scrimmage, the forward line of import Maxim Cajkovic, rookie Josh Lawrence and veteran William Poirier was dynamite. Their skill and puck movement was very evident.
• In the Friday afternoon scrimmage, the forward line of rookie Dawson Stairs, import Filip Prikryl and veteran Anthony Boucher was equally as impressive as the Cajkovic-Lawrence-W. Poirier combo.
• The coaching staff may have tipped their hands a bit with regards to likely defensive pairings to start the season. Sophomore Nathan Larose and his partner, rookie Jeremy Poirier, looked great together and really pushed the pace. Overager Michael Campoli and rookie William Villeneuve also impressed with their strong play together.
• Besides William Poirier and Anthony Boucher, returning forwards who appeared to get the memo to bring their “A” game right from the first whistle were Nicholas Deakin-Poot and Yohan Plamondon.
• Second year players Luke Wilson, Kevin Mason, Aiden MacIntosh and Jeremie Jacob were noticeable and each had several strong shifts.
• Speaking of noticeable – overage defenceman Tyler Higgins and rookie free agent forward James White (who is merely 17) are both impressive physical specimens – at 6’4" (+) and roughly 220 pounds each – who can skate as well. These two reportedly scored very high in the off-ice physical testing held on Thursday.
• Zack Pilon and Patrick Musico – a pair of free agent defencemen from Ontario – both looked strong in their first scrimmages at Harbour Station and they appear to be ready to challenge for a roster spot.
• The Sea Dogs' first draft choice in 2017, Brendan Sibley (round three, 52nd overall) was unable to participate in the opening day scrimmages due to an injury sustained during training this summer. Veteran Robbie Burt also did not skate with the team in the opening sessions.