Recap: Sea Dogs lose 6-1

FINAL: Saint John 1, Rouyn-Noranda 6

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

ROUYN-NORANDA, QC - The Saint John Sea Dogs proved to be no match for the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies on Friday.

The Sea Dogs went 0/6 on the power play and allowed a shorthanded goal in a 6-1 loss to the Huskies at Arena Glencore. Saint John goaltender Justin Robinson had another busy night, facing 52 shots in the loss.

Dylan Rozzi scored Saint John's lone goal, which came in the second period on a turnover by Huskies goaltender Samuel Meloche. The Sea Dogs once again struggled to generate quality scoring chances with only 10 of their 30 shots being classified as dangerous.

The Sea Dogs had a chance to grab momentum early in the first period but their power play could not come through. Alexis Poirier was given a four-minute penalty for high sticking at 3:11 and then Ty Higgins took a delay of game infraction at 7:12.

Higgins, Benjamin Brunelle, Remi Gelinas, Lars Steiner, Harijs Cjunskis and Thomas Verdun all had Rouyn-Noranda goals. Meloche made 29 saves in the win.

Game Day 46: at Rouyn-Noranda

ROUYN-NORANDA, QC - The road trip continues tonight for the Saint John Sea Dogs.

After a tough 4-3 loss in Boisbriand on Wednesday, the Sea Dogs have travelled northwest to face the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies tonight. Game time is 8 p.m. Atlantic.

The Sea Dogs led 3-2 after two against the Armada but allowed two goals in the third period in the loss. The Huskies, meanwhile, got roughed up on home ice last night by the hot Charlottetown Islanders, falling 6-3.

The Huskies sit second in the QMJHL's Western Conference and sixth overall in the QMJHL. This will be another tough challenge – especially on the backend – for Saint John.

TV/Radio/Stream: None/None/CHL TV

2024-25 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 19-26-0-0 for 38 points (fifth Maritimes/ninth Eastern/15th QMJHL) while the Huskies are 24-12-3-5 for 56 points (first West/second Western/sixth QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 4-3 loss in Blainville-Boisbriand on Wednesday. Nicolas Bilodeau, Olivier Groulx and William Yared all scored. Justin Robinson made 39 saves in the loss. The Huskies are coming off 6-3 loss to the Charlottetown Islanders last night. Thomas Verdon, Ty Higgins and Samuel Rousseau all scored for the Huskies. Zach Pelletier made 21 stops in the loss.

Young is a Sea Dog + some other notes

@stanleyscreative

Eric Young is officially a Saint John Sea Dog.

The Sea Dogs announced the signing of the 19-year-old goaltender on Thursday, a day after he was added to the club's roster.

“With the January 10th deadline already past, we are very fortunate to acquire a goaltender of Eric’s caliber. He was a workhorse for his previous team in the first half and was rewarded by being part of the Top Prospects Game,” said Sea Dogs head coach and general nanager Travis Crickard in a news release. “In communications with folks out west, Eric received glowing reviews about his hunger and commitment to get better everyday. He will be a welcome addition to our program.”

Young leaves the BCHL's Coquitlam Express for the QMJHL. He posted a 13-8-0 record to go along with a .890 save-percentage and a 3.32 goals against average in 25 games this season.

Young will presumably be Justin Robinson's backup for the rest of the season. The Sea Dogs have been in search of a second netminder since the team suddenly released 20-year-old Charles-Edward Gravel on Jan. 19.

A few other news and notes...

• Young joins a long list of players that have left the BCHL for the QMJHL since the NCAA rule change. Young joins forward Dylan Krayer as Sea Dogs players who have done so.
• The Sea Dogs are back in action on Friday when they visit the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies at 8 p.m. They play the final game of this Quebec road trip on Saturday, visiting the Val-d'Or Foreurs at 5 p.m.
• Environment Canada's weather forecast for Friday night in Rouyn-Noranda: "Partly cloudy. Wind up to 15 km/h. Low minus 30. Wind chill minus 25 in the evening and minus 39 overnight. Risk of frostbite."
• The Huskies were in action on Thursday, hosting the Charlottetown Islanders.
• It looks like the Sea Dogs will be holding their skills competition on Feb. 4 at the Peter Murray Arena on the west side.
• A weird scheduling quirk: the Moncton Wildcats and Cape Breton Eagles will play their next three games against each other over the span of a week. The two meet Thursday in Sydney, Saturday in Moncton and next Thursday in Moncton.
• A few notable NCAA commitments:
• 17-year-old forward Ryan Dwyer, the son of former Sea Dogs head coach Gordie Dwyer, has committed to RPI. Dwyer is in his second season at Stanstead College in Quebec.
• Quebec Remparts captain Justin Côté has committed to Clarkson University.
• QMJHL leading scorer Jonathan Fauchon of the Rimiuski Oceanic has committed to Providence College.
• Oceanic captain Jacob Mathieu has committed to Northeastern University.
• The QMJHL has launched the Thursday Night Showdown, which will offer fans a free game to watch on YouTube and CHL TV every Thursday. It's a great idea but has the same problem as the CHL on TV days: the matchups aren't very appetizing. Offering the games in both languages would be great as well, especially if the league is truly trying to attract more Americans.

Recap: Sea Dogs lose 4-3

FINAL: Saint John 3, Blainville-Boisbriand 4

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

BOISBRIAND, QC - The Saint John Sea Dogs couldn't contain the power play of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada when they needed to most.

With Zachary Morin in the box serving an interference penalty, Egor Goriunov netted his 20th goal of the season to give the Armada a 4-3 advantage at 12:24 of the third period. The Sea Dogs pulled goaltender Justin Robinson in favour of an extra attacker late in the frame but could not net an equalizer.

The Armada entered the game with the best power play in the QMJHL, running at 32.6%. They went 2/3 in this game.

The Sea Dogs, despite being outshot 31-16 through 40 minutes, entered the third with a 3-2 lead thanks to a late second period goal from William Yared. Saint John played a fairly solid road game even though the shot clock was lopsided for a lot of it.

Xavier Villeneuve tied the game at 9:24 of the third, allowing Goriunov to register the game-winner a few minutes later.

Matt Gosselin and Rafaël Cloutier also scored for Blainville-Boisbriand. Felix Hamel made 26 saves in the victory.

Yared, Nicolas Bilodeau and Olivier Groulx all scored for Saint John. Robinson had another busy night in net, making 39 saves in the loss.

Yared recorded a career high three points – a goal and two assists. Saint John's top line of Yared, Groulx and Dylan Rozzi – who are all from the Montreal area – was buzzing all night long.

Young added to Sea Dogs roster

Coquitlam Express Twitter

A new goaltender has been added to the Saint John Sea Dogs' roster.

19-year-old netminder Eric Young has been added to Saint John's online roster. The team has yet to make an official announcement on the addition.

Young has appeared in 25 games with the BCHL's Coquitlam Express this season, posting a 13-8 record to go along with a 3.32 goals against average and a .890 save percentage. According to the BCHL website, he hasn't played a game since Jan. 3.

Young, who turned 19 on Dec. 30, is in his second season with the Express. He's listed at 6'01" and 180 lbs.

The Mill Bay, BC native was still listed on the Express roster as of Wednesday night. The Express did, however, announce the acquisition of another goaltender on Wednesday. 

The BCHL has had a huge exodus of players since the NCAA rule change. Young does not appear to have an NCAA commitment at this time.

Young did not dress for the Sea Dogs on Wednesday in Blainville-Boisbriand. 19-year-old goaltender Cédric Cyr-Dauphinais of the QJHL's Terrebonne Cobras was Justin Robinson's backup.

The Sea Dogs have been in search of a backup for Robinson since the team suddenly released 20-year-old netminder Charles-Edward Gravel on Jan. 19. Robinson has played every game since Gravel's departure.

This move means the Sea Dogs still have an open overage spot on their roster along with both import spots.

Game Day 45: at Blainville-Boisbriand

BOISBRIAND, QC - The Saint John Sea Dogs begin a three-game Quebec road trip tonight in the Montreal suburbs.

The Sea Dogs' defensive play will be put to the test when they take on the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada at 8 p.m. Atlantic. The Armada have scored the second most goals in the QMJHL this season.

Saint John has caught the Armada at a good time though: leading scorer Justin Carbonneau, a top prospect for this year's NHL Draft, will serve a one-game suspension for a check to head during Saturday's game against the Victoriaville Tigres.

The Sea Dogs will look to build off a solid road victory on Sunday in Halifax – the team's first win in regulation time since early December.

TV/Radio/Stream: None/None/CHL TV

2024-25 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 19-25-0-0 for 38 points (fifth Maritimes/ninth Eastern/15th QMJHL) while the Armada are 24-17-2-0 for 50 points (second West/fifth Western/11th QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 4-1 win over the Halifax Mooseheads on Sunday. Zachary Morin scored twice while singles came from Tyler Peddle and Dylan Rozzi. Justin Robinson made 38 stops in the win. The Armada are coming off a 4-2 loss to the Victoriaville Tigres on Saturday. Vincent Desjardins and Matt Gosselin scored for Blainville-Boisbriand. Vincent Gladu and Felix Hamel split the loss in net.

Notebook: Quebec road trip begins

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

It's nearly February, but Wednesday night will be the first meeting of the season between the Saint John Sea Dogs and the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.

The Sea Dogs will begin a three-game Quebec road trip at 8 p.m. Atlantic in the Montreal suburbs. The two will meet again in one week, this time at TD Station.

The expansion cousins haven't met in nearly a year (the last meeting was Feb. 15, 2024). The Armada currently sit 11th overall with 50 points while the Sea Dogs are 15th with 38.

The Sea Dogs have already arrived in the Montreal area, practicing at the Bell Centre on Monday.

Quick stop at the @CentreBell in Montreal for practice last night ahead of tomorrow’s game in Blainville!#GoDogsGo pic.twitter.com/fo2GvJsy3t

— Saint John Sea Dogs (@SJSeaDogs) January 28, 2025

Following Wednesday's game, the Sea Dogs will head northwest to Rouyn-Noranda and Val-d'Or for games on Friday and Saturday, respectively.

SOME STATS

Five current Sea Dogs have new reached double digits in goals.

Dylan Rozzi became the latest to reach the 10-goal mark, scoring his ninth and 10th goals of the season over the weekend. He joins Zachary Morin (12), Tyler Peddle (12), William Yared (11) and Olivier Groulx (10) in double digits. Eriks Mateiko had 14 before he was traded to the Rimouski Oceanic.

Morin sits third in QMJHL rookie goal scoring while Yared in fifth.

Peddle continues to lead the team in power play goals with seven while Groulx and Rozzi each have four.

Captain Nate Tivey continues to lead the team in points (34) and assists (23). He sits sixth in QMJHL defensemen scoring.

Recap: Sea Dogs win 4-1

FINAL: Saint John 4, Halifax 1

HALIFAX - The Saint John Sea Dogs recorded their first regulation time win in nearly two months on Sunday at Scotiabank Centre.

Dylan Rozzi scored what proved to be the game-winner at 13:08 of the third period in a 4-1 Sea Dogs win over the Halifax Mooseheads.

It was a fairly even tilt between the Sea Dogs and Mooseheads, who entered the game tied with 36 points each. This was Saint John's second win of the year over Halifax but the first in regulation.

Saint John has recorded four wins since that Dec. 4 regulation time victory over the Acadie-Bathurst Titan – but all four came in either overtime or shootout.

Along with Rozzi, Zachary Morin scored a pair of empty net goals while Tyler Peddle added a single. Nate Tivey recorded three assists. Justin Robinson, in a first star performance, made 38 saves in the victory.

Will Bent scored Halifax's lone goal. Jacob Steinman made 34 stops in the loss.

The scoring didn't start until late in the second period when Bent weaved his way around John Lumsden, cut through the top of the crease and beat an outstretched Robinson at 15:04.

Saint John would respond before the end of the period. With 32.9 seconds left on the clock, Peddle wired a shot from the top of the circle past Steinman to make it 1-1 after 40 minutes.

The Sea Dogs took their first lead of the game at 13:08. Benjamin Amyot had the puck at the line and made a perfect feed down low to Rozzi who redirected the puck past Steinman to give Saint John a 2-1 advantage.

The Mooseheads pulled Steinman with 1:50 to play, allowing Morin to score not once, but twice into an empty net to make it a 4-1 final.

Game Day 44: at Halifax

HALIFAX - After playing five straight games at home, the Saint John Sea Dogs begin a stretch of four straight road games today.

The Sea Dogs and Halifax Mooseheads meet this afternoon at 3 p.m. at Scotiabank Centre. This is the fifth meeting of the year between the two and Halifax has won three of them.

The two enter play today with 36 points each – but Saint John has played one less game. The Sea Dogs are coming off losses on Thursday and Friday while Mooseheads are coming off wins both of those nights.

TV/Radio/Stream: None/None/CHL TV

2024-25 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 18-25-0-0 for 36 points (fifth Maritimes/ninth Eastern/15th QMJHL) while the Mooseheads are 15-23-6-0 for 36 points (sixth Maritimes/10th Eastern/16th QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 7-3 loss to the Rimouski Oceanic on Friday. Tyler Peddle, Dylan Rozzi and William Yared scored for Saint John. Justin Robinson made 30 saves in the loss. The Mooseheads are coming off a 5-1 win over the Chicoutimi Sagueneens on Friday. Caylen Blake scored twice while singles came from William Bent, Shawn Carrier and Brady Schultz. Jacob Steinman made 26 saves in the win. 

Playoff race shaping up

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

MONCTON - Greetings from Moncton, where two of the top-ranked teams in the Canadian Hockey League – the Wildcats and Rimouski Oceanic – meet this evening in a highly anticipated matchup.

While those two squads sit comfortably in the top half of the QMJHL standings, it's the bottom where things are getting interesting.

With the Saint John Sea Dogs losing Thursday and Friday and the Halifax Mooseheads winning both nights, the two Maritimes Division foes are now tied with 36 points each. Saint John has played one less game.

The Sea Dogs and Mooseheads meet Sunday afternoon in Halifax. Including Sunday's game, the Sea Dogs and Mooseheads will meet four times before the regular season ends.

The top 16 teams in the overall standings qualify for the playoffs. Saint John and Halifax still sit five points up on the 17th-place Gatineau Olympiques – a decently sized lead but certainly not a comfortable one with 20ish games to go.

It's been quite a tumble for the Sea Dogs in the second half, who had a .500 record at the Christmas break and sat 11th overall – eight points up on the 17th-placed team.

Saint John is 2-9-0-0 in the second half. Both of their wins have come in overtime, including one against the Mooseheads on Jan. 11.

The Sea Dogs made the playoffs last season, finishing 16th with a 20-39-5-4 record. They were swept in the opening round by the eventual champion Drummondville Voltigeurs.

Recap: Sea Dogs lose 7-3

FINAL: Rimouski 7, Saint John 3

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

SAINT JOHN - It was a much better performance by the Saint John Sea Dogs but it wasn't enough in a 7-3 loss to the Rimouski Oceanic on Friday at TD Station.

It didn't even feel like the Memorial Cup hosts had the pedal down for a lot of the game but they still cruised to a victory. The Sea Dogs were able to stay in it during the first period but they couldn't hang with the Oceanic beyond that.

Still, it was a strong bounce back performance by the Sea Dogs after an ugly 8-1 loss to the Chicoutimi Sagueneens the night before. Saint John has had respectable performances against some of the league's top teams this year, such as Rimouski, Drummondville and Moncton.

Maël St-Denis netted a hat trick for Rimouski; former Sea Dogs forward Eriks Mateiko scored twice; and singles came from Jacob Mathieu and Jonathan Fauchon. Mathis Langevin made 29 saves in the win.

Tyler Peddle, Dylan Rozzi and William Yared all scored for Saint John. Justin Robinson made 30 saves in the loss.

The Oceanic led 3-2 after a fairly even opening frame. Peddle opened the scoring 3:50 in only to have Mathieu tie things up at 6:17.

Rozzi put Saint John back in front with a power play goal at 12:51, depositing a rebound at the side of the net. But Rimouski quickly tied it again with St-Denis redirecting a point shot at 15:56.

The Oceanic took their first lead of the game when Mateiko scored his second goal as an Oceanic, ripping a shot past Robinson to make it 3-2 at 16:40.

Rimouski grabbed a 4-2 lead just 2:34 into thee second when St-Denis banged in a rebound on a power play. Later on at 12:21, Fauchon, the league's leading scorer, walked into the high slot and beat a screened Robinson with a wrist shot to make it 5-2.

The Oceanic scored another power play goal at 13:16 of the third when St-Denis finished off a nice passing play by scoring on a one timer from the slot, which made it 6-2.

The Sea Dogs got on the board again at 16:22 when Yared scored on a power play to make it 6-3. Saint John pulled Robinson in the final few minutes, allowing Mateiko to add an empty net goal.

Game Day 43: vs Oceanic

SAINT JOHN - The good news for the Saint John Sea Dogs is that they can quickly put last night's 8-1 loss to the Chicoutimi Sagueneens behind them.

The bad news is that tonight they face an even tougher opponent, taking on the Memorial Cup host Rimouski Oceanic. Game time is 7 p.m. at TD Station.

The Oceanic begin a three-game Maritime road trip tonight, a trip that also includes a big matchup against the Moncton Wildcats tomorrow and a visit to Charlottetown on Sunday. The key for Rimouski this evening will be to not look ahead to Saturday's showdown against the first-place Wildcats.

Former Sea Dogs captain Eriks Mateiko will make his return to Saint John tonight. The Washington Capitals prospect has one goal in three games with the Oceanic.

TV/Radio/Stream: None/Sea Dogs Radio/CHL TV

2024-25 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 18-24-0-0 for 36 points (fifth Maritimes/ninth Eastern/15th QMJHL) while the Oceanic are 28-10-1-2 for 59 points (first East/second Eastern/third QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off an 8-1 loss to the Chicoutimi Sagueneens last night at TD Station. Ben Cross scored Saint John's lone goal. Justin Robinson made 33 saves in the loss. The Oceanic are coming off a 6-5 shootout win over the Cape Breton Eagles on Sunday. Mael St-Denis netted a hat trick while Mathieu Cataford and Jacob Mathieu added singles. William Lacelle made 21 stops in the win.

Newfoundland Regiment are here

The Newfoundland Regiment hockey club was officially born on Thursday afternoon in St. John's.

The QMJHL, team ownership and government officials unveiled the name and logo of the league's newest team at a press conference held inside a military building in St. John's.

According to the team's press release, "the name, inspired by the storied history of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, one of Canada's oldest, is intended to reflect a deep connection to the province's past and a commitment to honouring the valour and bravery of those who served with distinction as well as those who continue to serve with the modern-day Royal Newfoundland Regiment."

The name and logo were announced by Newfoundland and Labrador premier Andrew Furey and this video.

The team's name and logo were leaked earlier this week after months of speculation. 

SportsLogos.net has a great breakdown of the logo and colours.

According to the news release, "the team’s new logo prominently features a Woodland Caribou, the symbol for which the Regiment is known and a nod to the Regiment's past and current cap badge. This symbol, along with the regimental crest and the crown icon in the logo, captures the spirit of excellence and dedication exemplified by the Royal Newfoundland Regiment. Team colors include puttee blue, legacy maroon and heritage tan."

The origins of our logo. 🧵👇 pic.twitter.com/mj2pnD97v0

— Newfoundland Regiment (@nlregiment) January 23, 2025

No jerseys were unveiled on Thursday. Long-time St. John's hockey mascot Buddy the Puffin was in attendance, though.

The Regiment will begin play next season when the Acadie-Bathurst Titan relocate to St. John's. It's the second time the city will be home to a QMJHL franchise following the St. John's Fog Devils from 2005 to 2008.

Recap: Sea Dogs lose 8-1

FINAL: Chicoutimi 8, Saint John 1

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

SAINT JOHN - It was a night to forget for the Saint John Sea Dogs.

The Chicoutimi Sagueneens scored three times in a 2:04 span in the first period and never looked back, cruising to an 8-1 win over the Sea Dogs at TD Station.

Saint John didn't have a bad start to the game – but things escalated real quickly. Chicoutimi opened the scoring at 13:52, scored another at 14:55 and then made it 3-0 at 15:56 to give the Sags a 3-0 lead after 20 minutes.

The Sagueneens scored another early in the third before Ben Cross redirected a Nate Tivey shot at 3:05, making it 4-1 at the time. But the goal didn't seem to impact the game too much as Chicoutimi continued to roll.

Thomas Desruisseaux netted a hat trick while singles came from Nathan Lecompte, Christophe Berthelot, Korney Korneyev, Emile Guite and Kassim Gaudet. Raphael Precourt only had to make 18 saves in the win.

Justin Robinson made 33 saves in the loss.

Shots in the game ended 41-19 with Saint John recording just seven dangerous shots. Chicoutimi looked very much like one of the top teams in the QMJHL.

The good news: Saint John can quickly forget about this game with another home contest on Friday night. The bad news: that game is against an even better team as the Memorial Cup host Rimouski Oceanic make their lone visit of the season to TD Station.

Tivey named Sea Dogs captain

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

SAINT JOHN - Overage defenseman Nate Tivey has been named captain of the Saint John Sea Dogs.

Tivey replaces Eriks Mateiko, who was traded to the Rimouski Oceanic earlier this month. The d-man will make his debut as captain on Thursday night when the Sea Dogs host the Chicoutimi Sagueneens. 

Tivey is in his third season with the Sea Dogs and has led the squad in scoring for most of it. He's posted five goals and 25 assists in 40 games.

Matteo Mann will act as an associate captain while Jacob Beaulieu, Nicolas Bilodeau, Olivier Groulx and Tyler Peddle will all be alternate captains, the team also announced Thursday. Beaulieu and Bilodeau will each wear an A on the road while Groulx and Peddle will each wear an A at home.

Tivey and Mann are both in their final seasons of junior hockey. Beaulieu, Bilodeau and Peddle are all QMJHL veterans at this point.

Groulx, 17, is the youngest player to receive a letter. He is in his second season with Saint John after appearing in 27 games with the club last year.

Game Day 42: vs Sagueneens

SAINT JOHN - For the first time this season, the Saint John Sea Dogs and Chicoutimi Sagueneens will meet.

Game time tonight at TD Station is 7 p.m.

The Sea Dogs are coming off a 2-1 overtime win over the Quebec Remparts on Sunday, which was a solid rebound performance from an ugly 3-0 loss to the Charlottetown Islanders on Friday. Stringing together solid performances has been a struggle for the Sea Dogs in the second half, who still haven't recorded a regulation time win since early December.

The Sagueneens, meanwhile, begin a three-game trip through the Maritimes which will also include stops in Halifax and Sydney. Chicoutimi has been sitting third in the Eastern Conference (and fourth overall in the league) for a bit, now four points back of the division rival Rimouski Oceanic.

TV/Radio/Stream: None/Sea Dogs Radio/CHL TV

2024-25 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 18-23-0-0 for 36 points (fifth Maritimes/ninth Eastern/15th QMJHL) while the Sagueneens are 23-10-3-6 for 55 points (second East/third Eastern/fourth QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off 2-1 overtime win over the Quebec Remparts on Sunday. Dylan Rozzi and Nate Tivey scored Saint John goals. Justin Robinson made 38 stops in the win. The Sagueneens are coming off a 4-3 shootout loss to the Val-d'Or Foreurs on Sunday. Emile Ricard, Thomas Desruisseaux and Maxim Masse all scored for Chicoutimi. Raphael Precourt made 27 stops in the loss.

Quebec heavy stretch begins

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Sea Dogs are about to get a heavy dose of the QMJHL's Quebec-based clubs.

Over the next month – Jan. 23 and stretching until Feb. 23 – the Sea Dogs will play 11 of their 14 games against teams from outside the Maritimes. That's not including this past Sunday's game against the Quebec Remparts, which would make for a 12 of 15 game stretch against Quebec teams.

Here's a look at this upcoming stretch, which begins Thursday at home against Chicoutimi and ends on the road in Shawinigan. Games with Maritime opponents are in italics.

Jan. 23 vs. Chi 7:00 pm AST

Jan. 24 vs. Rim 7:00 pm AST

Jan. 26 @ Hal 3:00 pm AST

Jan. 29 @ BLB 7:00 pm EST

Jan. 31 @ Rou 7:00 pm EST

Feb. 1 @ VdO 4:00 pm EST

Feb. 5 vs. BLB 7:00 pm AST

Feb. 7 vs. Mon 7:00 pm AST

Feb. 8 vs. BaC 7:00 pm AST

Feb. 15 vs. Sha 3:00 pm AST

Feb. 17 vs. Cap 3:00 pm AST

Feb. 20 @ BaC 7:00 pm EST

Feb. 21 @ Chi 7:00 pm EST

Feb. 23 @ Sha 4:00 pm EST

The Feb. 23 game in Shawinigan will be Saint John's last regular season matchup against an opponent from outside the Maritimes.

Saint John is 6-7-0-0 against Quebec-based clubs this season.

What does this all mean? I don't know – but I don't recall a stretch this heavy on Quebec teams. It could create some intriguing games down the stretch if some of these "mystery" teams take Saint John lightly. Points are going to matter for the Sea Dogs right until the end while some of these teams could be in comfortable positions soon.

Following this stretch, the Sea Dogs will have nine regular season games remaining.

Newfoundland team set to announce name

The QMJHL's newest team will unveil its name and logo on Thursday.

The league confirmed Wednesday that the Newfoundland QMJHL franchise is set to announce its identity. The press conference will be held at 12:30 p.m. Atlantic and will be live streamed on YouTube.

"Join us for the exciting reveal of the logo and team name for Newfoundland's newest addition to the QMJHL," read the league's press invitation. "This event marks a significant milestone for hockey fans and the community in Newfoundland."

While some of the teasers the franchise has been posting on social media would indicate otherwise, the franchise is widely expected to be called the Newfoundland Regiment, a tribute to the province's military history.

Thursday's press conference will be held at a military building in St. John's, which is home to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment Museum.

The team's logo may also have been leaked Wednesday thanks to a Reddit user who discovered the below on the federal trademark website.

This colour scheme isn't like any other in the QMJHL, which is nice. It is a bit similar to what the PWHL's Montreal Victoire are sporting this season.

The Acadie-Bathurst Titan will relocate to St. John's for the 2025-26 season. It's the first time the QMJHL has returned to Newfoundland since the Fog Devils left in 2008.

Alumdate: Mateiko scores first with Oceanic

Eriks Mateiko is on the board in his new home.

The former Saint John Sea Dogs captain netted his first goal as a member of the Rimouski Oceanic on Saturday in a 3-1 win over the Shawinigan Cataractes.

#ALLCAPS Eriks Mateiko's first goal on his new team pic.twitter.com/LPsDwPjWfS

— x - Capitals Replays 🍁 (@capsreplays) January 18, 2025

The goal was Mateiko's 15th of the season.

The Latvian has just the one goal in three games with the Oceanic – but it hasn't been for a lack of trying. He's recorded three or more shots in all three of those games.

Mateiko makes his return to TD Station this Friday when the Oceanic take on the Sea Dogs at 7 p.m. From there Rimouski will visit the Moncton Wildcats on Saturday in a massive showdown between two of the CHL's top-ranked teams. On Sunday, the Oceanic conclude their trip in Charlottetown, taking on the Islanders.

Here's a quick update on how other former Sea Dogs have performed in the QMJHL this season.

Player	Team	GP	Goals	Assists	Points
Vince Elie	SHA	42	16	26	42
Noah Reinhart	CAP VDO	40	24	13	37
Cole Burbidge	CAP	42	12	19	31
Eriks Mateiko	SNB RIM	26	15	5	20
Chad Bellemare	SHE	39	8	9	17
Simon Hughes	CHA	29	6	11	17
Pavel Simek	RIM CHA	31	6	7	13
Nathan Drapeau	VDO	11	1	2	3
Leighton Carruthers	RN	2	0	2	2
Jeremie Richard	SHA	3	0	0	0

Nathan Drapeeau (BCHL West Kelowna), Leighton Carruthers (SJHL Flin Flon) and Jeremie Richard (MHL Amherst) are currently not on QMJHL rosters.

Recap: Sea Dogs win 2-1 (OT)

FINAL: Quebec 1, Saint John 2 (OT)

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

SAINT JOHN - A highlight reel goal by Nate Tivey at 1:54 of overtime gave the Saint John Sea Dogs a 2-1 win over the Quebec Remparts on Sunday at TD Station.

Tivey entered the zone, slide the puck through a Quebec defender, retrieved it on his own and beat Remparts goaltender Louis-Antoine Denault five-hole to give Saint John the extra point.

The win improved the Sea Dogs to 10-0 in extra time games this season. They are 7-0 in overtime.

Saint John struggled in the first period but turned things around in the final 40 minutes. Quality scoring chances were limited again, but the Sea Dogs were able to get more going than they did in Friday's 3-0 loss to the Charlottetown Islanders.

Dylan Rozzi scored Saint John's regulation time goal. Justin Robinson, making his first start as the team's No. 1 goaltender, had one of his best performances of the season and made 38 saves in the victory.

Thomas Auger scored for Quebec. Denault made 30 stops in the loss.

The Remparts led 1-0 after the opening period. Auger opened the scoring at 8:36 when Antoine Dorion threaded a pass to the Remparts veteran forward and beat an outstretched Robinson.

Saint John tied the game just 32 seconds into the middle frame. On a power play, Rozzi fired a low shot from the circle that beat Denault, tying things at 1-1.

The Sea Dogs got into some penalty troubles in the third, giving the Remparts three power plays. Saint John was able to produce some strong kills, keeping Quebec 0/5 on the man advantage in the game.

Saint John was the better team in overtime, keeping the puck in the Quebec end for much of it. At 1:54, Tivey netted the winner to give the Sea Dogs the victory.

Game Day 41: vs Remparts

SAINT JOHN - On paper, the Saint John Sea Dogs should be able to take care of what will be a tired Quebec Remparts team today.

But nothing has been easy for the Sea Dogs of late.

Saint John has just one win in the second half and haven't won in regulation time since early December. The team's most recent loss – a 3-0 defeat to the Charlottetown Islanders on home ice Friday – continued the recent trend of offensive struggles.

The Sea Dogs welcome a Remparts team that will be playing their third game in three days. The rebuilding Remparts sit just three points ahead of Saint John in the standings. With a challenging week ahead, a win this afternoon would be a major boost to the Sea Dogs.

Game time today at TD Station is 3 p.m.

TV/Radio/Stream: None/Sea Dogs Radio/CHL TV

2024-25 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 17-23-0-0 for 34 points (fifth Maritimes/ninth Eastern/15th QMJHL) while the Remparts are 17-21-1-2 for 37 points (fourth East/eighth Eastern/13th QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 3-0 loss to the Charlottetown Islanders on Friday. Charles-Edward Gravel and Justin Robinson split the loss in net. The Remparts are coming off a 3-2 loss in Moncton yesterday. Jayden Rousseau and Justin Côté scored for Quebec. Louis-Antoine Denault made 39 stops in the loss.

Sea Dogs release Gravel

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Sea Dogs announced a major roster move Sunday morning, releasing overage goaltender Charles-Edward Gravel.

Gravel was having a strong game through two periods on Friday, stopping 29 of 30 shots against the Charlottetown Islanders. But he didn't play the third period nor was he on the bench.

“We are committed to maintaining a culture that aligns with our values and ensure a positive environment for everyone involved with our team,” said Sea Dogs president Trevor Georgie in a news release. “Charles-Edward is a talented goalie, and we wish him well in his future.”

Gravel has arguably been Saint John's most valuable player on the ice this season, posting a 14-14 record to go along with a 2.82 goals against average and a .914 save percentage. His three shutouts tie him for the second most in the league.

The starter role now belongs to 18-year-old Justin Robinson – a move that, in the long term, may be a good thing. Robinson hasn't looked as comfortable in net as he did at times last year and an increase in playing time could be the best thing for him.

Robinson is 3-9 with a 4.07 GAA and .885 SV% this season.

According to the news release, "the team will announce the addition of another full-time goaltender to the roster in the coming weeks."

This move comes at an awkward time for the Sea Dogs as most teams have settled into their rosters for the second half. Saint John does have options though with an overage spot and both import spots open.

Earlier this season, the Sea Dogs traded goalie prospect Kyan Labbé to the Sherbrooke Phoenix because they planned to run with Gravel and Robinson in the second half. Labbé requested the trade.

Recap: Sea Dogs lose 3-0

FINAL: Charlottetown 3, Saint John 0

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

SAINT JOHN - The offensive struggles continued on Friday for the Saint John Sea Dogs.

Saint John recorded just 11 dangerous shots in a 3-0 loss to the Charlottetown Islanders at TD Station. This was the fifth time this season the Sea Dogs have been shutout and the second time in the past four games.

Ross Campbell, Matthew Butler and Simon Hughes all scored for Charlottetown. Donald Hickey made 27 saves to earn his first career QMJHL shutout.

Charles-Edward Gravel made 29 stops on 30 shots in the first two periods. Justin Robinson played the third period and was busy, allowing a goal on 14 shots. Robinson was named the game's third star for his relief appearance.

Saint John's continued offensive struggles were, like Sunday's loss to the Halifax Mooseheads, complimented with some lapses in the defensive end, which led to several odd man rushes for the Islanders. The Sea Dogs have plenty to work on ahead on Sunday's home game.

The Islanders grabbed a 1-0 lead at 6:29 of the first when Campbell banged in a rebound. Charlottetown had a couple of other excellent chances in the opening frame – which included missing a wide open net on a power play – but only led by one after one.

In the second, Saint John generated some pressure on a power play but continued to struggle at getting pucks on net. The Sea Dogs had 11 shots in the middle frame but gave up 17 – including a couple dangerous odd man chances.

At 16:03 of the third – and not long after the Islanders made some contact with Robinson – Butler scored his 12th of the season to give Charlottetown a 2-0 advantage.

The Sea Dogs pulled Robinson in the final couple minutes. Hughes iced the game with an empty net goal at 19:10.

Game Day 40: vs Islanders

SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Sea Dogs play the second game of a five-game home stretch tonight at TD Station.

The Sea Dogs will look to make a lot of improvements from last Sunday's 5-1 loss to the Halifax Mooseheads, a game that saw them struggle at both ends of the ice from start to finish. It's been a rough stretch for the Sea Dogs who have just one win so far in the second half.

The Sea Dogs host a Charlottetown Islanders team that had a five-game winning streak come to an end last night in Moncton. The Isles have found new life in the second half following a number of roster tweaks. They sit three points ahead of the Sea Dogs in the standings, making every remaining game between the two an important one.

Game time tonight is 7 p.m. The Sea Dogs will be wearing "Style & Flow" themed jerseys.

TV/Radio/Stream: None/Sea Dogs Radio/CHL TV

2024-25 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 17-22-0-0 for 34 points (fifth Maritimes/ninth Eastern/14th QMJHL) while the Islanders are 17-20-2-1 for 37 points (fourth Maritimes/eighth Eastern/13th QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 5-1 loss to the Halifax Mooseheads on Sunday at TD Station. William Yared scored Saint John's lone goal. Justin Robinson made 35 saves in the loss. The Islanders are coming off a 5-2 loss in Moncton last night. Ethan Montroy and Maxwell Jardine scored Charlottetown goals. Nicolas Ruccia made 27 saves in the loss.

Sea Dogs unveil "Style & Flow" jerseys

The Saint John Sea Dogs have unveiled their latest theme night jersey.

On Friday night, the Sea Dogs will host "Style & Flow Night" with social media star Coach Chippy in attendance. The jerseys were Coach Chippy approved, according to the Sea Dogs.

Time to flow. 🌊🐶

Coach Chippy-approved Style & Flow jerseys have arrived and they're FIRE. Want to get your hands on one these beauties? Our online auction is now LIVE!

Bid now » https://t.co/J1M68RUIHO#GoDogsGo pic.twitter.com/DjN8r7Gtcy

— Saint John Sea Dogs (@SJSeaDogs) January 16, 2025

The Sea Dogs announced Thursday evening that lower bowl tickets to the game – which is against the Charlottetown Islanders at 7 p.m. – were nearly sold out.

Fans at Friday's game will have the opportunity to meet Coach Chippy in-person during the game for autographs, photo opportunities and more.

Saint John had their largest home crowd of the season this past Sunday, welcoming 4,002 fans to their game against the Halifax Mooseheads.

The Sea Dogs have worn a number of themed jerseys this season, including Stampede at the Station, Pink in the Rink, Throwback Night and Christmas at the Station.

Where are they now?

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Eriks Mateiko made his Rimouski Oceanic debut on Wednesday night.

The former Saint John Sea Dogs captain recorded three shots, four hits and a -1 rating in the Oceanic's 3-2 overtime loss to the Halifax Mooseheads at Colisée Financière Sun Life.

Mateiko was placed on Rimouski's second line with former Mooseheads Mathieu Cataford – who, as a member of Team Canada, faced Mateiko at this year's IIHF World Junior Championship – and Lou Levesque. 

The Washington Capitals prospect was officially traded to Rimouski on Jan. 6 but was held out of the Oceanic lineup last weekend to give him some additional rest following a heavy workload with Team Latvia at this year's world juniors.

In 23 games with Saint John in the first half of the season, Mateiko registered 14 goals and five assists. He remains the team's goal scoring leader despite not playing since Nov. 29.

A few other updates on players who are no longer with the Sea Dogs...

• Forward Parker Forlin made quite a return to the OJHL's Niagara Falls Canucks. In his first game back with the club on Jan. 9, the forward recorded two goals and an assist. He has three goals and a helper in three games since returning to Ontario. The OJHL even made a hype video.

  Parker Forlin returns to the Canucks in time for their "Playoff Push", catch the update on the latest episode of "OJ Reels" for January 11th, 2025. @NF_Canucks #ParkerForlin #PlayoffPush #OJReels #HockeyUpdates pic.twitter.com/zQ28bJGnb0

  — OJHL (@OJHLOfficial) January 11, 2025

• Forward Coen Miller made his BCHL debut on Saturday, recording two assists in the Powell River Kings' 8-7 overtime loss to the Victoria Grizzlies. Defenseman Cruz Scanzano also had two assists for the River Kings in that game, giving him three helpers in four games since joining the BCHL club.  
• Defenseman Giuliano Caputo is back with the QJHL's Terrebonne Cobras where he's recorded two assists in four games. Caputo spent last season with the Cobras where he registered five assists in 47 contests.
• Swiss forward Florian Schenk is back with SC Bern Future U20 where he's already recorded a goal and seven assists in three games. He recorded eight goals and 17 helpers in 42 games with the club last year.
• Forward Dennis Lominac, who appeared in seven games with the Sea Dogs early this season, now has a goal and two assists in six games with the BCHL's Vernon Vipers. Lominac was lighting up the MHL before heading west, posting five goals and 19 assists in 11 games with the Summerside Western Capitals.

Three Sea Dogs make latest NHL Central Scouting list

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Three Saint John Sea Dogs cracked NHL Central Scouting's second list of the season.

Sea Dogs forward Zachary Morin was the highest ranked, placing 47th overall amongst North American skaters for the 2025 NHL Draft. Morin currently sits second in team scoring and third in QMJHL rookie scoring with 10 goals and 17 assists in 32 games.

Forward Olivier Groulx, meanwhile, was ranked 137th while forward Elliot Dubé was 171st.

Groulx, who netted his first career QMJHL hat trick on Saturday night in Halifax, has 10 goals and 15 assists in 39 games this year. Dubé has six goals and 10 assists in 39 contests, placing him 11th in QMJHL rookie scoring.

After a few down years, this is expected to be a decent draft for the QMJHL. Moncton Wildcats forward Caleb Desnoyers was the highest ranked QMJHL skater at No. 7 followed by Justin Carbonneau of the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada at No. 13 and Bill Zonnon of the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies at No. 29.

In total, 41 players from the QMJHL were ranked.

Defenseman Matthew Schaefer of the Erie Otters was ranked No. 1 followed by Boston College forward James Hagens and Saginaw Spirit forward Michael Misa.

The full list of North American skaters can be found here.

Notebook: Home cooking

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Sea Dogs played a pair of games in less than 24 hours – in two different provinces – this weekend.

The Sea Dogs played the Halifax Mooseheads on Saturday night at Scotiabank Centre, made the four hour drive home after the game and were then right back at it against the Moose on Sunday afternoon at TD Station.

The team won't have to worry about bus trips for a bit. Sunday's game was the first of five straight at TD Station.

Sunday, Jan. 12 vs Halifax - 5-1 loss

Friday, Jan. 17 vs Charlottetown

Sunday, Jan. 19 vs Quebec

Thursday, Jan. 23 vs Chicoutimi

Friday, Jan. 24 vs Rimouski

The Sea Dogs will then play four straight games on the road – three of which will be in Quebec – before playing five straight at home again.

BONNET HERE TO STAY

17-year-old defenseman Julien Bonnet is expected to remain with the Sea Dogs for the remainder of the season. He has been added to the team's online active roster.

Bonnet, a seventh-round pick of Saint John in the 2023 QMJHL Entry Draft, has already appeared in 13 games with Saint John this season. He's been held scoreless.

Bonnet joined the team on a few occasions this year as an injury replacement. He's been close to a regular in the club's lineup since early December.

The 6'02", 183 lbs defenseman has also played 11 games with the QJHL's Gatineau Flames this season, posting a goal and four assists in 11 games.

Sea Dogs sign Krayer from BCHL

Tami Quan Photography

The Saint John Sea Dogs have made another roster addition.

The Sea Dogs announced Monday the signing of 17-year-old forward Dylan Krayer. The Concord, Massachusetts native had been playing with the BCHL's West Kelowna Warriors.

“We would like to welcome Dylan to our organization,” said Sea Dogs head coach and general manager Travis Crickard in a news release. “He is very hungry to get better every day. Sea Dogs fans can expect a very motivated young man who will play to the identity of our great city.”

Krayer is the brother of Sea Dogs forward Matthew Krayer, who signed with the Saint John on Jan. 3.

With West Kelowna this season, Krayer posted 11 goals and five assists in 33 games. His last game with the club was on Jan. 4 and wasn't even listed as a scratch by the team this past weekend.

Krayer is a Mount St. Charles prep school alumnus where he appeared in 37 games last season. He also played two games with both the Warriors and the USHL's Tri-City Storm.

Krayer is committed to play at Arizona State University beginning in 2026-27, a program that has been on the rise in recent years and recently joined the NCHC, one of college hockey's powerhouse conferences.

The Sea Dogs now have three Americans on their roster: the Krayer brothers and Egan Beveridge. Dylan Krayer is the only one officially committed to a NCAA program.

Saint John's next game is this Friday at TD Station against the Charlottetown Islanders.

Recap: Sea Dogs lose 5-1

FINAL: Halifax 1, Saint John 5

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

SAINT JOHN - If the Saint John Sea Dogs gained any momentum from Saturday's overtime win, it certainly didn't look like it on Sunday at TD Station.

The Sea Dogs struggled at both ends of the ice in a 4-1 loss to the Halifax Mooseheads. It was the second time in less than 24 hours that the two met after Saint John defeated the Mooseheads 4-3 in overtime at Scotiabank Centre the night before.

Saint John fell behind early in the first period and were never able to really get back into the game. Saint John allowed five goals and 40 shots against the QMJHL's worst offense (they sit last in both goals and shots per game) and, once again, struggled to generate many dangerous scoring chances of their own.

Halifax, who ended a seven-game losing streak with the victory, had a pair of goals from Quispamsis native Liam Kilfoil while singles came from Shawn Carrier, Quinn Kennedy and Patrick McNab. Rookie goaltender Nicolas Gillham-Cirka made 33 saves to earn his first QMJHL win.

William Yared scored Saint John's only goal. Justin Robinson made 35 saves in the loss.

The Mooseheads led 2-0 after the first period. Halifax opened the scoring at 5:54 when a pass into the slot found Kilfoil who backhanded a low shot past Robinson.

Saint John didn't record a shot on goal until the 8:35 mark of the opening period.

Halifax took a 2-0 lead with a late goal in the opening frame. At 19:46, Carrier walked in from the top of the circle and beat Robinson top corner.

Halifax took a 3-0 lead at 8:57 of the second when Kennedy put in a rebound while on a power play. Then at 13:26, McNab also put in a rebound, giving Halifax a commanding 4-0 advantage.

Saint John got on the board at 14:48 when a low Yared shot from the circle appeared to go off Ben Cross and in, making it 4-1. The Sea Dogs pressured in the final minute of the frame but could not add another.

In the third, the Sea Dogs pulled Robinson with four minutes remaining. Saint John was able to generate some sustained pressure in the offensive zone but could not score. Kilfoil iced the game with an empty netter at 18:02.

Game Day 39: vs Mooseheads

SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Sea Dogs and Halifax Mooseheads are right back at it this afternoon.

After meeting last night at Scotiabank Centre, the two teams will meet again this afternoon in Saint John. The Sea Dogs needed extra time to defeat the Mooseheads last night, earning a 4-3 overtime win thanks to a Tyler Peddle power play goal.

It was a fairly evenly played game last night with both teams carrying the play at times. Saint John and Halifax are two of the youngest teams in the QMJHL.

Saint John ended a five-game losing streak last night while Halifax lost a seventh straight.

Game time this afternoon at TD Station is 3 p.m.

TV/Radio/Stream: None/Sea Dogs Radio/CHL TV

2024-25 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 17-21-0-0 for 34 points (fifth Maritimes/ninth Eastern/14th QMJHL) while the Mooseheads are 11-21-6-0 for 28 points (sixth Maritimes/10th Eastern/16th QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs and Mooseheads met last night in Halifax where Tyler Peddle won the game with a power play goal. Olivier Groulx scored all three of Saint John's regulation time goals in the 4-3 win. Shawn Carrier, Braeden MacPhee and Owen Phillips all scored for Halifax. Charles-Edward Gravel made 27 stops in the win. Jacob Steinman made 37 saves in the loss.

Recap: Sea Dogs win 4-3 (OT)

FINAL: Saint John 4, Halifax 3 (OT)

HALIFAX - The Saint John Sea Dogs needed some overtime magic to end their five-game losing streak.

Tyler Peddle scored on a power play at 4:20 of overtime to give the Sea Dogs a 4-3 victory over the Halifax Mooseheads on Saturday night at Scotiabank Centre. The win – Saint John's first since the Christmas break – ended a lengthy losing skid and improved the team to 9-0 in extra time contests.

Olivier Groulx scored all three of Saint John's goals in regulation time. Charles-Edward Gravel made 27 stops in the win.

It was a fairly evenly played game between two of the QMJHL's youngest teams. The point separation between the two has thinned of late, but this victory gives Saint John a bit more breathing room as the second half continues to roll along.

Shawn Carrier, Braeden MacPhee and Owen Phillips all scored for Halifax, who have now dropped seven straight. The newly acquired Jacob Steinman made 37 saves in the loss.

Halifax got on the board early in the first period. After a Nate Tivey turnover, Carrier beat Gravel from the slot at 3:26 to make it 1-0.

The Sea Dogs responded to the goal well, dominating possession for several minutes. Finally, on a power play at 11:50, they were rewarded when Groulx redirected a William Yared shot to tie things at 1-1.

Halifax pulled in front again at 15:35. On a man advantage, a point shot hit some bodies in front and the rebound went to MacPhee who put the puck into an open net.

Saint John evened things up again at 18:50 just after a power play ended. A shot went off the back boards and bounced in front where Groulx was able to sneak the puck between Steinman and the post to make it 2-2 after 20 minutes.

The Sea Dogs were unable to generate many quality scoring chances in the middle frame but only needed one to take a 3-2 lead into intermission. At 19:56, Groulx fired an innocent looking shot from the slot that went past a couple bodies and upstairs on Steinman, giving Saint John their first lead of the game.

Halifax tied the game at 6:09 of the third when Phillips fired a high shot from the point that beat a screened Gravel. Halifax had a couple of other good chances in the third but could not score a fourth goal.

Saint John went to a power play at 2:29 of overtime when Quinn Kennedy tripped up Peddle. On that man advantage, Tivey setup Peddle for a one-timer, ripping a shot past Steinman to give the Sea Dogs a 4-3 victory.

Game Day 38: at Halifax

HALIFAX - The Saint John Sea Dogs will, once again, try to end a lengthy losing streak.

The Sea Dogs have dropped five straight games heading into tonight's contest with the Halifax Mooseheads. They've also lost seven straight away from home.

The good news for the Sea Dogs is that they are coming off a decent performance against one of the QMJHL's top teams on Wednesday. Saint John fell 3-0 to the Drummondville Voltigeurs in their most recent match but, despite not generating many scoring chances, hung around for most of the game.

This is the first of back-to-back meetings between the Sea Dogs and Mooseheads. The two also meet tomorrow afternoon at TD Station.

Halifax enters tonight's match on a six-game losing streak. Game time is 7 p.m. at Scotiabank Centre.

TV/Radio/Stream: None/None/CHL TV

2024-25 regular season records: The Sea Dogs are 16-21-0-0 for 32 points (fifth Maritimes/ninth Eastern/14th QMJHL) while the Mooseheads are 11-21-5-0 for 27 points (sixth Maritimes/10th Eastern/16th QMJHL).

Last games: The Sea Dogs are coming off a 3-0 home loss to the Drummondville Voltigeurs on Wednesday. Charles-Edward Gravel made 33 saves in the loss. The Mooseheads are coming off a 4-3 home loss to the Voltigeurs on Thursday. Quinn Kennedy, Antoine Fournier and Liam Kilfoil all scored for Halifax. Jacob Steinman made 41 saves in his Mooseheads debut.

Oceanic went hard after Mateiko

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

The Rimouski Oceanic badly wanted Eriks Mateiko, Saint John Sea Dogs head coach and general manager Travis Crickard said in an interview this week.

Speaking with Sea Dogs radio broadcaster Bruce Smith before Wednesday's game at TD Station, Crickard said about five teams showed interest in Mateiko after he took on the role of general manager. As the trade period neared, it ultimately came down to two teams.

"It kind of just came down to one team, being Rimouski, being very convinced or stern with their need to get Eriks and they were going to do whatever it took to get him," Crickard said. "They weren't interested in doing a negotiation in terms of, okay, we'll offer this and then I come back, no, I want this, and then we'd maybe meet in the middle. It was just like, what do you want for him? This is what I want? And okay, we'll do it. And that's kind of how it it played out with that transaction, so to speak."

Officially, the Sea Dogs traded Mateiko to the Oceanic for a third-round pick; two fourth-round picks; and a fifth-round pick. That's expected to change at this summer's QMJHL Entry Draft where the Oceanic will send Saint John two first-round picks – a significant price for what is likely to be just half a season of the Latvian forward.

"I think one of the things with the deal itself is that Eriks is a player who's only going to be in the league for less than 30 more regular season games and then playoffs, so when we enter the the draft we'll see that it was a pretty expensive price to to pay for Eriks to finish his junior career in Rimouski. But at the same time, that's what he's worth, really."

The Oceanic are expected to keep Mateiko out of the lineup this weekend, giving him some extra rest following the IIHF World Junior Championship.

A few other news and notes...

• In the Telegraph-Journal, Kevin Barrett reports that one of the first-round picks Saint John will receive will be for the 2025 draft while the other will be for 2027. Saint John, at this time, would have three first-round picks in this year's draft.
• Barrett notes Crickard sees Tyler Peddle, Nicolas Bilodeau and Ben Cross as the team's trio of overagers next season.
• Crickard on Mateiko's impressive performance with Latvia at the IIHF World Junior Championship: "His performance at the world juniors is not surprising to anyone in this room. Moreover, when moments are big, that's the kind of player he is, and that's what was the focal point of the discussion with a team like Rimouski. While you may not know him that well, you're getting a big time player in big time moments and he showed that."
• Crickard noted in the radio interview that the team wasn't able to practice much at TD Station after the Christmas break due to Cirque du Soleil taking over the building. The team finally returned to their usual ice surface on Wednesday morning.
• Saint John will look to snap a five-game losing streak on Saturday in Halifax. The two teams meet again on Sunday afternoon in Saint John. The Mooseheads sit last in the Eastern Conference but are now just five points behind the Sea Dogs.