Sea Dogs fire Stella; Crickard named GM

The Saint John Sea Dogs have never been afraid to make bold moves – and they made another one on Friday.

The Sea Dogs announced that general manager Anthony Stella has been fired and will be replaced by head coach Travis Crickard. Crickard will hold both the head coach and general manager roles.

Stella has been Saint John's general manager for a year-and-a-half, taking on the position on April 6, 2023.

“Anthony is a passionate identifier of talent, cares deeply about hockey, and has great work ethic,” said team president Trevor Georgie in a news release. “He has been an important part of the Sea Dogs for many years. We have so many fond memories working together, highlighted by the journey and eventual victory at the 2022 Memorial Cup here in Saint John. We wish him the very best in the future.”

Stella joined the organization in 2014-15, starting as a scout and progressively taking on additional responsibilities and senior roles. He was promoted to director of player development in 2016-17 before being named assistant general manager and head scout in 2017-18. He remained in that role before being promoted to general manager in 2023, replacing Trevor Georgie.

Stella leaves the organization having helped the club win the President Cup in 2017 and the Memorial Cup in 2022.

Crickard, meanwhile, is in his third season as head coach. He joined the team as an assistant coach in 2021-22, helping Saint John win the Memorial Cup, and was promoted in 2022-23.

“We are pleased to reward Travis with these additional responsibilities,” said Georgie. “Travis’ ability to get the most out of players, handling of player personnel, and high EQ are hallmarks of his. We believe that those tools will allow him to develop and be successful in the new role.”

The 37-year-old does have some managing experience. He was the general manager of the Botany Swarm of the New Zealand Ice Hockey League for four seasons.

This move comes at a critical time in Saint John's rebuild. The foundation is beginning to get set and the team will likely have another very important draft in 2025. There's also the holiday trade period to think about, which could be the final deadline for some time where Saint John is amongst the sellers.