MHL season underway

BOUCTOUCHE, NB - Ben Cross and the Chaleur Lightning made a statement in their Maritime Junior Hockey League season opener on Friday.

The former Saint John Sea Dogs forward recorded a goal and an assist in the Lightning's 9-2 victory over the West Kent Steamers. This was the inaugural game for the Bathurst-based Chaleur franchise, who relocated from Fredericton during the off-season.

Cross is one of a number of former Sea Dogs set to play in the MHL this season. With season opening rosters published, here's a look at who's expected to play where.

Amherst Ramblers - Darien Reynolds and Jeremie Richard 

Chaleur Lightning - Ben Cross

Grand Falls Rapids - Jonah Leard and Reid Calder 

Miramichi Timberwolves - Mitchell Wagner 

Summerside Western Capitals - Matthew MacLean and Coen Miller

It's worth noting as well that former Sea Dogs coaches Greg Leland and Jeff Cowan remain behind the Grand Falls bench.

Sea Dogs prospects Jesse Dunlap (Chaleur), Jase MacPherson (Summerside) and Eliot Tozer (West Kent) – who were all selected in this year's QMJHL Entry Draft – attended MHL training camps. It looks like all three will return to the teams they played for last season: Dunlap with Rothesay Netherwood, MacPherson with the Kensington Wild and Tozer with the Saint John Vito's.