Sea Dogs sign Forlin; two reassigned

Ed McPherson / OJHL Images

It's been a busy 24 hours for the Saint John Sea Dogs.

After announcing defensemen Cruz Scanzano is no longer with the team, the Sea Dogs announced Tuesday the signing of 18-year-old forward Parker Forlin while forwards Florian Schenk and Coen Miller have both been reassigned.

Florin, a free agent from Ontario, leaves the Niagara Falls Canucks sitting third in OJHL scoring with 29 goals and 56 points in 32 games. He scored hat tricks in two of his final three games with the Canucks.

"We are really excited to announce the addition of Parker to our team," said Sea Dogs head coach and general manager Travis Crickard in a news release. "Although he is known as a prolific scorer in other junior leagues, he comes with a high level of humility and hunger to get better everyday as a member of the Sea Dogs."

The Sea Dogs could certainly use an offensive boost, especially with captain Eriks Mateiko expected to be dealt before the QMJHL's trade deadline Jan. 6 deadline. Saint John is currently averaging 2.80 goals per game, the fifth fewest in the league.

Florin, listed at just 5'08" and 160 lbs, was a fourth-round pick of the Barrie Colts in 2022 but has never appeared in an OHL game. He played with Team East at this year's World Junior A Challenge where he recorded a goal and an assist in five games.

Named the OJHL Scholastic Player of the Year in April, it sounds like Forlin could be on the NCAA radar.

Florin is already listed on Saint John's roster wearing No. 90.

Schenk, meanwhile, has been reassigned to SC Bern Future U20 where he played 42 games last year. The 17-year-old Swiss forward was selected seventh overall by Saint John in this year's CHL Import Draft but recorded just two goals and two assists in 24 QMJHL games. He slid down the team's depth chart and was a healthy scratch on several occasions.

Miller, who the Sea Dogs acquired in a trade with the Sherbrooke Phoenix last December, was also struggling to stay in Saint John's lineup. The 18-year-old posted two assists in 23 games with the Dogs this season after a very strong second half with the club last season, which saw him register seven goals and 13 helpers in 31 contests.

"We thank Florian and Coen for their commitment to the Sea Dogs and the city of Saint John. We wish them the very best in their future endeavours," said Crickard.

Saint John's import situation is certainly something to keep an eye. Both of the team's import slots would be available if an import player isn't included in the Mateiko deal.