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.