Dogs announce first camp cuts

QUISPAMSIS - The Saint John Sea Dogs have announced their first roster moves of training camp.

Here's what's happened:

• Players released from training camp: Jonathan Beers (F), Samuel Campbell (F), Cade Destefani (F), William Gagnon (F), Cole Kimble (F), Carter McCluskey (F), Robert Orr (F), Olivier Bourassa (D), Anthony Cliche (D), Isaac Dixon (D), Dylan Macleod (D), Alex Wynter (D), Stewart Bagnell (G), and Justin Pace (G).
• Cliche and Orr, both 2019 draft picks, left camp to maintain their NCAA eligibility.
• There was an announcement made regarding a couple notable absences at camp. Defenseman Brendan Sibley, who never could find his groove at the major junior level, and forward Yohan Plamondon, who had 21 points in 39 games last season, have both opted not to attend camp and will pursue junior 'A' options.
• Overage defenseman Sacha Roy, who was traded to Saint John in the off-season from the Baie-Comeau Drakkar as part of the Alex D'Orio deal, "has elected to no longer pursue his hockey career and will not be playing in the 2019-20 season," according to the team.
• Connor Richard is listed day-to-day after taking a big open ice in the first period of Sunday's pre-season game.
• There are now 20 forwards, 10 defensemen and four goalies remaining at Sea Dogs camp.   

There are no big surprises with any of these moves. The biggest news is Roy - a player that would have provided some nice sandpaper to a young defence core - opting to retire.

The cuts make for some interesting battles to follow for the final few roster spots. The Sea Dogs will play three more pre-season games this week, beginning Tuesday night in Bathurst.