Sea Dogs draft picks at Hlinka Gretzky Cup

USA Hockey

Two Saint John Sea Dogs connections are taking part in this year's under-18 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Forward Joseph "JJ" Monteiro and defenseman Will Felicio, who were both picked by the Sea Dogs late in the 2022 QMJHL Entry Draft, are skating for Team USA at this year's event.

Team USA, who finished second in Group A with six points in three games, will face Team Canada in Friday's semifinal. That game will air at 2 p.m. Atlantic on TSN. 

The other semifinal, which will take place at the same time, will feature Finland and Czechia. The championship game takes place Saturday.

Monteiro just finished up his third season with Mount St. Charles Academy and Elite Prospects has him playing with the BCHL's Salmon Arm Silverbacks this season. He is committed to Providence College of the NCAA.

Felicio, meanwhile, had one of the best offensive seasons by a rookie defensemen in USHL history last year, posting four goals and 24 assists in 55 games with the Madison Capitols. He is committed to the University of Denver.

Will Felicio with a hell of a shot. DU got a good one. pic.twitter.com/Yy2AXM2BNv

— Robert Chalmers (@IvanIvanlvan) August 1, 2023

It's looking unlikely that either will opt for major junior hockey and join the Sea Dogs — but you never know.

Team Canada does have one Sea Dogs connection in forward Justin Poirier, who is the brother of former Saint John defenseman Jeremie Poirier. Poirier of the Baie-Comeau Drakkar, forward Maxim Masse of the Chicoutimi Sagueneens and goaltender Gabriel D'Aigle of the Victoriaville Tigres are the only QMJHL players suiting up for Team Canada at this year's tournament, indicating that it's likely going to be another light year for the league early in the 2024 NHL Draft.

D'Aigle is not draft eligible until 2025.