Sea Dogs sign Schenk ahead of Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Saint John Sea Dogs

The Saint John Sea Dogs have signed import Florian Schenk ahead of the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Schenk will be a member of Team Switzerland at the annual tournament, which takes place Aug. 5-10 in Edmonton.

“I am beyond thrilled to join the Saint John Sea Dogs,” said Schenk in a news release. “I can’t wait to hit the ice with such a talented group and contribute to the team’s success.”

The Swiss forward was taken by the Sea Dogs with the seventh overall pick in this year's CHL Import Draft. He was signed to a "QMJHL Scholarship and Development Agreement" on Wednesday.

“Having had the chance to see him live multiple times Florian is a player I was very high on all season,” said Sea Dogs general manager Anthony Stella. “We feel he fits our core and is a great addition for the future of this team.”

Schenk played with the SC Bern program last season, posting 25 points in 42 games at the under-20 level and 12 points in nine games at the under-17 level.

He is eligible for the 2025 NHL Draft.

It looks like Schenk and Eriks Mateiko will start the season as Saint John's pair of import players. Mateiko is poised to be one of the top imports in the QMJHL this season and his name will likely pop up in trade rumours over the next few months.

Schenk's first game at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup is Monday night when Switzerland takes on Canada. The Swiss will also play Sweden and Slovakia in the preliminary round.

Canada's roster features QMJHL players Lucas Beckman (Baie-Comeau), Alex Huang (Chicoutimi), Caleb Desnoyers (Moncton), Emile Guite (Chicoutimi) and Liam Kilfoil (Halifax).