Training camp roster observations

By Lorne Webster | SN Staff

SAINT JOHN - Here are a few observations on the Saint John Sea Dogs' 2018 training camp roster, which was released on Tuesday afternoon.

• All but two players drafted this summer will be in Saint John to start Sea Dogs training camp. Only Jack Williams (US Draft 1st round, 1st overall) and Riley Bezeau (12th, 199th) are not reporting at this time. Williams, who has a verbal commitment to go to Northeastern University (NCAA) is currently playing in the under-17 5-Nations Cup in Slovakia with Team USA. The Sea Dogs remain hopeful that Williams will agree to join former South Kent Selects teammates Josh Lawrence and Charlie DesRoches in Saint John.
• Both of the Sea Dogs’ 2018 CHL import draft selections – Maxim Cajkovic (Slovakia) and Filip Prikryl (Czech Republic) – have arrived in Saint John after having played in the recent Hlinka-Gretzky tournament in Alberta.
• Seven of 15 players drafted in 2017 are reporting: Brendan Sibley (3, 52), Aiden MacIntosh (4, 63), Jeremie Jacob (6, 104), Stewart Bagnell (8, 145), Luke Wilson (9, 163), Josh MacDonald (10, 164) and Daniel Surette (12, 201). Of the eight not reporting – Max-Antoine Melancon (4, 73 - who was traded to Shawinigan for a 2019 second round pick), Lynden Breen (5, 83), Tim Noble (5, 87), Justin Hryckowian (11-, 83), Patrick Moynihan (12, 210) and Robby Griffin (12, 217) all appear to be maintaining their NCAA eligibility.
• Only one player from the 2016 draft class is reporting – Kevin Mason (7, 123). Players from the 2016 draft listed on the pre-season roster but not reporting include: Shane Bowers (2, 32 - Boston University), Matt Gould (6, 105 - NCAA) and Matthew Steinburg (10, 177 – NCAA).
• Only two players from the 2015 draft class are reporting – Alex D’Orio (1, 9) and Ben Reid (7, 119). Players from the 2015 draft listed on pre-season roster but not reporting are: Morgan Barron (4, 57 - Cornell) and Ben Mirageas (9, 154 - Providence).
• Only four 20 year-olds (1998 born) are listed on the training camp roster – Anthony Boucher (W/C), Matt Green (C), Michael Campoli (D) and Tyler Higgins (D). Pending any further roster moves, they will be battling for the three available overage spots.
• Six players who played for the Sea Dogs in 2017-18 - and were listed on the pre-season roster – are not listed on the current training camp roster: RW Ostap Safin (on import protected list), D Thomas Ashe, D Tyler Hungerbuhler, D Zachary Leclerc (loaned to Victoriaville), D Tyler Smith and G Matt Williams.
• In light of the Sea Dogs youth movement – and having missed the playoffs last season – all other returning players are expected to be on top of their game in order to earn a place on the 2018-19 regular season roster.
• Free agents listed on the training camp roster include:
• Tuomas Bowland (G – 2001-05-10 – 6’5” 196 lbs. – Chamcook NB)
• Christian Clark (C - 2000-02-08 – 5’10” 180 lbs. – Oshawa ON)
• Ryan Decker (LW – 2001-01-25 – 6’2” 190 lbs. – Cambridge MA USA)
• Christopher Duchesne (RW – 2001-06-23 – 5’5” 145 lbs. – Lasalle QC)
• Patrick Musico (D – 2000-03-16 – 6’2’ 187 lbs. – Newmarket ON)
• Zack Pilon (D – 2000-11-28 – 6’4” 203 lbs. – Ottawa ON)
• Zac Sirota (C – 2000-09-12 – 5’8’ 165 lbs. – Richmond Hill ON)
• James White (LW – 2000-09-25 – 6’4” 220 lbs – Vernon BC)

The Sea Dogs will hold scrimmages on Friday and Saturday at Harbour Station before facing the Acadie-Bathurst Titan in a pre-season tilt on Sunday night. The schedule can be found here.