What's coming up and some news

It's been a quiet few weeks for the Saint John Sea Dogs – but that will change soon.

While it may still be the early goings of the off-season, there are a number of off-ice events that will keep the team busy over the next month-and-a-bit.

First up is the QMJHL Entry Draft, which takes place June 7-8 at Moncton's Avenir Centre. The Sea Dogs currently own two first round picks, so they'll be busy on both Friday night and Saturday. Plus, the QMJHL's trade window will open that week, which could bring even more activity. 

On June 28-29, the NHL Draft will be held in Las Vegas where Sea Dogs forward Eriks Mateiko should hear his name called.

Lastly, on July 3, the CHL Import Draft will be held. Both of Saint John's imports from last season – forwards Mateiko and Pavel Simek – are eligible to return. But their statuses could be impacted during June's trading period – or Saint John could use one or both of their picks anyways, which the team has done in the past.

The "real off-season" begins after the Import Draft. Training camp will open mid-August.

A few other news and notes...

• The Maritime Hockey League champion Miramichi Timberwolves had their season come to an end in the Centennial Cup semifinals on Saturday, falling 5-2 to the OJHL's Collingwood Blues. Former Sea Dogs forward Cole Foston had an assist in the loss. Foston finished the tournament with two goals and two assists in six games.
• At the IIHF World Championship, Raivis Ansons and Latvia now own a 4-2-0 record to place them fifth in Group B. Ansons has not played in the last two games for Latvia (vs Sweden and Slovakia). Latvia plays their final preliminary round game on Tuesday against the United States.
• The Fargo Force completed one of the best seasons in USHL history by winning the Clark Cup on Saturday. The Force's roster includes 20-year-old Montreal native Michael La Starza, a seventh-round pick of the Drummondville Voltigeurs in 2020. 
• The Memorial Cup begins on Friday in Saginaw with the host Spirit facing the WHL champion Moose Jaw Warriors. The QMJHL's Drummondville Voltigeurs take on the OHL's London Knights on Saturday.