Mateiko named Sea Dogs captain

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Eriks Mateiko has been named the 22nd captain in Saint John Sea Dogs history.

The Sea Dogs made the announcement on Wednesday. The decision comes as no surprise as Mateiko was considered a strong candidate to be captain last year but the team opted to name him an alternate.

The Latvian is just the second European captain in Sea Dogs history, joining Czechia's David Stich. Stich was Sea Dogs captain for 24 games in 2008-09 following the Alex Grant trade.

Overage defenseman Nate Tivey, meanwhile, was named an associate captain, a term used by the Utah Hockey Club earlier this week for Lawson Crouse's role. Alternate captains will be Nicolas Bilodeau, Matteo Mann and Tyler Peddle. 

Bilodeau and Mann will wear letters on the road while Peddle will do so at home.

“We are very excited to announce Eriks, Nate, Tyler, Matteo, and Nicolas as our captains,” said Sea Dogs head coach and general manager Travis Crickard in a news release. “As key members of the team, they provide great leadership, create a positive environment in the dressing room, and embody what it means to be Humble, Hungry, and Honoured to represent their families, the Sea Dogs, and the City of Saint John.”

Peter Reynolds served as Sea Dogs captain last year before being traded to the Halifax Mooseheads. The team did not have a captain in the second half.

Charlie DesRoches was the last Sea Dog to serve as captain for a full season, doing so in 2022-23.