Notebook: Two weeks away

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

It's almost that time.

The Saint John Sea Dogs will begin regular season play in two weeks when they travel to Bathurst to face the Titan on Friday, Sept. 22. The two teams will then travel to Saint John and meet the next night for the Sea Dogs' home opener.

Before all that, the Sea Dogs still have three pre-season games remaining. The club will travel to Saint-Quentin, NB Friday to take on the Titan before heading to the UPEI campus in Charlottetown to face the Islanders on Sunday afternoon.

The Sea Dogs will play their final game of the pre-season next Friday at TD Station against the Isles.

SEASON TICKETS

The Sea Dogs shared a new promotional video this week highlighting some of the club's season ticket holders.

Discover the true value of being a #SJSeaDogs Season Ticket Member from those who know it best!

Get your season tickets at the @station_td box office, open tomorrow from 10am to 3pm, or call (506) 657-1234. pic.twitter.com/EJKJdK4iI5

— Saint John Sea Dogs (@SJSeaDogs) September 6, 2023

NEW WEBSITE LOOK

If you haven't noticed, the Sea Dogs website — and all the websites in the CHL — got a refresh this summer. There are still a few glitches here and there, but the transition appears to be nearly complete. 

The Sea Dogs have also launched a new online store that is powered by Shopify.

EASTLINK SCHEDULE

Eastlink's Friday Night Hockey schedule for the 2023-24 season has been released.

The Sea Dogs will be featured just two times this season: Jan. 20 at Cape Breton and Feb. 9 at Charlottetown.

Eastlink's full TV schedule can be found here.

RogersTV will not be broadcasting games in New Brunswick again this season.

DUFOUR AT SHOWCASE

Former Sea Dogs forward William Dufour attended the NHLPA Rookie Showcase this week, which featured most of the NHL's top prospects.

The 21-year-old posted 21 goals and 27 assists in 69 AHL games with the Bridgeport Islanders last season. He also appeared in one NHL game with the New York Islanders — but Dufour certainly hopes that number increases this season.

The Hockey News had a chat with Dufour about how he's feeling heading into his second season of pro hockey.

Dufour was also asked about the QMJHL's new fighting rules.

#Isles prospect William Dufour doesn't agree with the QMJHL's decision to ban fighting.

"Sometimes it can change a game."

Says he understands protecting players, but if an opponent lays a bad hit, he needs to pay the price.@sammisilber

— Stefen Rosner (@stefen_rosner) September 5, 2023

BEAULIEU SIGNS PTO

Former Sea Dogs defenseman Nathan Beaulieu has signed a tryout agreement with the Carolina Hurricanes.

Carolina Hurricanes sign Nathan Beaulieu to professional tryout contract https://t.co/Mtex74MGbL

— Daily Faceoff (@DailyFaceoff) August 21, 2023

Beaulieu, 30, appeared in 52 games with the Anaheim Ducks last season, registering four assists. He also scored a goal in four games with the AHL's San Diego Gulls.

Beaulieu has been a regular in the NHL since the 2014-15 season. He has played with the Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, Winnipeg Jets, Pittsburgh Penguins and the Ducks.

NEW POD

I joined the Wildcast podcast this week to discuss what the Sea Dogs are looking like heading into the 2023-24 season.

MARITIME PRESEASON PREVIEW Part 1

Back from little break catching up on camp so far as well we had guests from around the division!

• @WillyPalov about the @HFXMooseheads

•@station_nation to talk @SJSeaDogs

Special #StickTapOfTheWeek with @AlsPalsMoncton

LINK IN BIO pic.twitter.com/byx9phats2

— 🎙Wildcast Podcast 🎧 (@MonctonWildcast) September 6, 2023

OTHER THINGS

• The TD Station box office has new hours: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They'll also be open three hours prior to all events.
• The QMJHL's opening week is sponsored by POGO corn dogs.
• The Maritime Hockey League has a new president.
• Hockey Canada has released the schedule for the 2023 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge, which will take place Nov. 2-11 in Charlottetown and Summerside.
• The Halifax Mooseheads will retire Nathan MacKinnon's No. 22 prior to their season opener on Sept. 22.