2022 had just about everything

Vincent Ethier/CHL

HALIFAX - If you've followed the Saint John Sea Dogs since day one, you've seen some wild calendar years. But none of them compare to the craziness that was 2022.

Remember, the Sea Dogs weren't even allowed to play hockey when the year began, playing their first game on Feb. 4 because of COVID restrictions. They opened the 2022 portion of the season with a rebuilt roster, trading just about everything for everyone. Then they suffered the most devastating playoff series loss in franchise history. Fired their head coach. Hired a new one. Hosted an incredible Memorial Cup. Won the Memorial Cup with four electric home games. Half the city got COVID from the Memorial Cup (unconfirmed). And then started the roster tear down and rebuild in the summer (and also named a new head coach).

It was a wild 12 months. It was also an unforgettable 12 months. As we start a new year, here's a look back at 2022's most read Station Nation posts.

10. Sea Dogs, Oceanic playoff series confirmed; Dufour wins goal scoring race

9. Notebook: COVID and the Cup

8. Saye suspended for high stick

7. Recap: Sea Dogs lose 6-3

6. President Cup semifinal series set

5. Breaking down Saint John's camp roster

4. Burns suspended five games

3. Notebook: Dogs' move nearly unprecedented

2. Reports: UNB's MacDougall named interim Sea Dogs head coach

1. Reports: Dwyer out as Sea Dogs head coach

To give you a sense of how big the Gordie Dwyer news was, the post about his firing is the fourth most read post in Station Nation history. This blog has been around since 2009.