Catching up on more alumni happenings

Barys Astana

The original Saint John Sea Dog is off to Italy.

Alex Grant signed with the Milano Hockey Club of the ICEHL earlier this off-season. The 37-year-old defenseman spent last season in Denmark, posting two goals and six assists in 19 regular season games with the Odense Bulldogs and another five goals and three assists in 12 post-season games.

Prior to last season, Grant, the first draft pick in Sea Dogs history back in 2005, had spent all of his non-North American playing days in the KHL.

It's been a busy off-season for several Sea Dogs alumni. Thanks to Elite Prospects, here's a look at a few more notable moves, beyond what we've covered already this summer.

• William Dufour has inked with the Nürnberg Ice Tigers of Germany's DEL. Dufour bounced around quite a bit last season, spending much of the year with the ECHL's Fort Wayne Komets.
• Chris DiDomenico has signed with IF Björklöven of Sweden's SHL. The 37-year-old has spent most of his professional career in Switzerland.
• Julien Gauthier is also heading to the SHL. The 28-year-old has signed with Brynäs IF. Gauthier has had a rough couple years due to injuries. He played in just 25 regular season AHL games last year.
• Nicolas Guay appears set to play a second season with the EIHL's Belfast Giants. The 27-year-old posted 45 points in 52 games with the Giants last season.
• Stanislav Galiev is set to play his second season with the KHL's Dinamo Minsk. Last season, the 34-year-old recorded 20 goals and 13 assists in 54 games.
• Maxim Cajkovic will play with HC Kometa Brno in Czechia this season. He spent the past two seasons with HC Litvínov in Czechia.
• Simon Bourque, part of the 2017 President Cup championship team, will be back in the ICEHL. The 29-year-old defenseman is set to play his second season with the Vienna Capitals.
• James White has signed with Poland's Cracovia Krakow. The 25-year-old played in Slovakia's second league last season. White completed his university career with Ontario Tech in 2024-25 and also appeared in five games with the ECHL's Wheeling Nailers that season.

Notebook: Hockey back soon

The Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League pre-season officially got underway this past weekend with a pair of games between the Victoriaville Tigres and Sherbrooke Phoenix.

Things really get going this coming weekend with lots of games. For the Saint John Sea Dogs, though, they will have to wait just over a week until they open up pre-season play.

The Sea Dogs play their first of five exhibition games on Wednesday, Aug. 26 against the Moncton Wildcats. They'll play two other games later that week as well.

At the time of this writing, Saint John has not released any training camp schedule details. The team has not released its full camp roster yet either but has announced several free agent invites.

The Sea Dogs begin the regular season in just over a month. They'll visit the Newfoundland Regiment on Sept. 18 in what will be the first game of the 2026-27 QMJHL season.

MAGNUSSON NOT AT UCONN

The UConn Huskies men's hockey team unveiled its freshman class last week with a notable omission.

Defenseman Carl-Otto Magnusson, who had previously committed to UConn and was expected to enroll this season, was not listed as part of the class.

It's unclear where Magnusson will play this coming season. The 20-year-old could return to the Sea Dogs but that seems unlikely given that he would take up both an overage and import spot. 

The Swede was traded to the Sea Dogs mid-season from the Moncton Wildcats. The defensive defenseman was held pointless in 25 regular season games with Saint John and in three playoff games. He was listed as a healthy scratch for one of the Sea Dogs' post-season matches.

Sea Dogs sign Ozogany

Andrej Galica/Slovak Ice Hockey Federation

The Saint John Sea Dogs have officially added another piece to their roster.

The team announced on Thursday that Slovakian forward Oliver Ozogany, who was selected by Saint John with the 44th overall pick in this year's CHL Import Draft, has been signed to a QMJHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

Ozogany is fresh off competing for Slovakia at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup in Edmonton where he posted an assist in five games.

“We’re excited to welcome Oliver to the Sea Dogs. He is a player with a lot of potential,” said Sea Dogs president and general manager Trevor Georgie in a news release. “His experience playing as a 16-year-old in North America with Tri-City will help him in his transition to the CHL. He has been an important player for his country for many years now, and we look forward to him being important to us and our championship aspirations.”

While Ozogany is obviously an import, he's spent the past three seasons playing in the United States, including the 2025-26 campaign in the USHL. In 56 games with the Tri-City Storm last year, he posted nine goals and eight assists.

Listed at 6'2" and 203 lbs, Ozogany has an early birthday and will turn 18 in January.

The Sea Dogs have now signed their top two picks from this year's Import Draft. The team previously signed Czech forward Matyas Cancik.

The team's third pick from this year's Import Draft, Finnish defenseman Vertti Svensk, remains unsigned. A Los Angeles Kings prospect, he would be a massive addition to Saint John's backend – but one that is likely a complicated signing.

Notebook: Arkells comment on jersey choice

Arkells

Following quite a bit of feedback, the Arkells have responded to their unexpected wardrobe choice on Saturday night in Moncton.

Opening for the Jonas Brothers on the Université de Moncton campus, lead singer Max Kerman took to the stage wearing a Saint John Sea Dogs jersey – the same one he wore at Area 506 last year.

"Thought I was making friends in Moncton with the jersey. Oops. Great to see you all!," the band wrote in an Instagram post.

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A post shared by arkellsmusic (@arkellsmusic)

JOSEPH RANKED SIXTH

Sea Dogs forward Alexis Joseph was ranked sixth in The Athletic's pre-season rankings for the 2027 NHL Draft.

The pressure is certainly starting to heat up on Joseph as his second QMJHL season nears.

"He is a summer birthday, so with continued development he could profile as the kind of center teams covet as a cornerstone piece," writes Wheeler. "But you have to show it on the ice again and again, and he has left me wanting more a little too frequently. I thought about dropping him into Tier 3 here and will if he doesn't pick it up."

NHL.com had a story on Joseph during the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Sea Dogs forward Jamie Glance, meanwhile, was ranked 22nd by The Athletic. Prospect Finnegan Sears was an honourable mention.

Arkells wear Sea Dogs jersey to open Jonas Brothers concert

MONCTON - Saturday's Jonas Brothers concert on the Université de Moncton campus opened with an unexpected scene: a Saint John Sea Dogs jersey.

The Arkells opened for the Jonas Brothers and lead singer Max Kerman took to the stage wearing a unique/unusual Sea Dogs jersey.

An unexpected scene at the Jonas Brothers concert tonight. The Arkells open up the show by wearing a Sea Dogs jersey… in Moncton. pic.twitter.com/3H3fM7oA2L

— Jamie Tozer (@station_nation) August 9, 2026

It's not the first time Kerman has worn this Sea Dogs jersey. He wore it at Area 506 last year in Saint John.

Max Kerman of The Arkells wearing a very unusual Sea Dogs jersey at Area 506 last night. pic.twitter.com/DGHjqXZ9kn

— Jamie Tozer (@station_nation) August 4, 2025

Always cool to see Saint John being represented by the Arkells – but certainly not what you'd expect to see at a Moncton concert.

Canada captures Hlinka Gretzky gold

Alexis Joseph and Team Canada are 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup champions.

Canada captured the gold medal of the under-18 tournament with an 8-1 victory over the United States on Saturday in Edmonton. The Canadians scored three times in both the first and second periods.

Joseph, who was dropped to Canada's fourth line for this game, was held pointless on Saturday and finishes the tournament with a goal and two assists in five games. The Saint John Sea Dogs forward was held pointless in Friday's semifinal victory as well.

Canada finished the event with a perfect 5-0 record, which included winning all three games in the preliminary round.

GAME OVER! IT'S GOLD IN EDMONTON! 🇨🇦🇺🇸

MATCH FINI! MÉDAILLÉS D’OR À EDMONTON! 🇨🇦🇺🇸

📊 https://t.co/hU5AoHBg95
📊 https://t.co/EdF5Cx7RiP #HlinkaGretzkyCup | #CoupeHlinkaGretzky | @UpperDeckSports pic.twitter.com/iGvecpEZDn

— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) August 9, 2026

Forward Oliver Ozogany and Slovakia, meanwhile, lost 3-2 to Finland in Saturday afternoon's bronze medal game. The Slovaks blew a 2-0 first period lead in the loss.

Ozogany, who was selected by the Sea Dogs in this year's CHL Import Draft, appeared in all five of Slovakia's games, registering one assist.

The only other Sea Dog taking part in the tournament was forward Matyas Cancik, who played in just one game after suffering an injury in Czechia's opener. The Czechs finished in sixth-place.

Catching up on alumni happenings

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Simon Despres is back in North American.

The 35-year-old signed with the ECHL's Fort Wayne Komets earlier this week. A professional hockey veteran, Despres has never appeared in an ECHL game.

“Simon has played at every level in our game and has had success. He’s played in the best leagues in the world alongside some of the best players in the game,” said Komets head coach Ben Boudreau in a news release. "He is a big-body defenseman with an ability to move the puck and produce points while being a physical presence and dominating defensively.”

Despres spent most of last season with the EIHL's Fife Flyers where he posted a goal and 10 assists in 41 games. He also appeared in 12 games with the Australian league's Melbourne Ice and nine games in the LNAH with the Saint-Hyacinthe Bataillon.

Despres hasn't spent a full season in North America since his final NHL campaign in 2016-17, where he appeared in just one game with the Anaheim Ducks. Despres struggled with concussions, ultimately ending his NHL career at 193 games.

The first overall pick in the 2007 QMJHL Entry Draft, Despres spent four seasons with the Saint John Sea Dogs which ended with a Memorial Cup title in 2011.

Following his NHL career, Despres has played in the KHL (Russia), DEL (Germany), SHL (Sweden), ICEHL (central Europe), EIHL (UK) and AIHL (Australia).

Joseph, Ozogany advance at Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Hockey Canada Images

Alexis Joseph and Team Canada will take on Finland in the semifinals of the Hlinka Gretzky Cup on Friday.

Canada improved to 3-0 at the tournament with a 7-4 win over Sweden on Wednesday. They opened the event with a 7-3 win over Switzerland on Monday and followed that up with a 6-1 victory over Slovakia.

Joseph, who has been playing on Canada's second line with Brock England and Ryerson Edgar, has a goal and two assists in the three games. His goal came in Wednesday's win.

They don’t ask how 🗣️

Alexis Joseph picks up his first of the tournament on a deflection off his leg to extend Canada’s lead on the power play!#GoDogsGo | #HlinkaGretzkyCup pic.twitter.com/yBimP8EgRw

— Saint John Sea Dogs (@SJSeaDogs) August 6, 2026

The other semifinal will feature Slovakia taking on the United States. The bronze and gold medal games will take place on Saturday.

The Slovaks feature forward Oliver Ozogany, who was picked by the Sea Dogs in this year's CHL Import Draft. Ozogany, who has been skating on Slovakia's top line, has recorded an assist in three games.

Forward Matyas Cancik, who was also a 2026 CHL Import Draft pick of Saint John and a recent signee, has appeared in just one game with Czechia after suffering an injury in the team's tournament opener. The Czechs will face Switzerland in the fifth-place game on Friday.

Sea Dogs returning to Fredericton (for pre-season)

The Saint John Sea Dogs are returning to Fredericton.

The Sea Dogs will hit the Aitken Centre ice on Friday, Aug. 28 when they take on the Moncton Wildcats in QMJHL pre-season play. It will be a Wildcats home game.

The UNB Reds are marketing the game as "Gardiner MacDougall returns." MacDougall and the Wildcats also hosted the Sea Dogs in pre-season play last year at the Aitken Centre.

“It should be one of the marquee pre-season games,” said MacDougall in a Reds new release. “Both teams will have very competitive rosters with plenty of new players in the line-up. It will be a key foundational game for our team as we look to establish the positive habits necessary for success in the QMJHL.”

UNB has been a frequent pre-season destination for the Sea Dogs. The team also played three regular season games at the Aitken Centre last season, losing two of the three.

The Sea Dogs and Wildcats will meet a couple nights prior as well, facing off in St. Stephen. That will be Saint John's first game of the pre-season.

The Sea Dogs will play five games this pre-season.

Wed., Aug. 26: Moncton vs Saint John at St. Stephen's Garcelon Civic Center 

Fri., Aug. 28: Saint John vs Moncton at location Fredericton's Aitken Centre 

Sun., Aug. 30: Rimouski vs Saint John at Woodstock's AYR Motor Centre 

Fri., Sept. 4: Halifax vs Saint John at TD Station 

Fri., Sept. 11: Saint John vs Halifax at Dartmouth's RBC Centre

Tickets are now on sale for both the St. Stephen and Woodstock games. Tickets for the Fredericton game will be available beginning this Friday.

Sea Dogs announce five camp invites

The Saint John Sea Dogs announced five invites to the team's training camp earlier this week.

Here's a quick look at each invite.

G Pierce Brackett

The son of Toronto Maple Leafs assistant general manager Judd Bracket, Pierce Bracket is a 17-year-old netminder from Hingham, Mass. Listed at 6'2" and 165 lbs, Bracket has spent the past couple seasons with the Cape Code Whalers program. Last year with the under-16 team, he went 5-4-1 with a 2.18 goals against average in 19 games, according to Elite Prospects.

D Xavier Ayotte

An overage defenseman, Ayotte has spent the past two seasons in the QJHL. Last season split between the Princeville Titan and Terrebonne Cobras, Ayotte recorded three goals and 13 assists in 46 games. He added a goal in two playoff contests. The 6'4", 185 lbs d-man is listed as a member of the QJHL's Montreal Phoenix for the 2026-27 season.

D Ben Loucks

A Lexington, Mass. native, Loucks spent most of last season playing US prep school hockey at Middlesex School where he recorded a goal and an assist in 21 games. The 17-year-old is big – Elite Prospects lists him at 6'5" and 194 lbs. 

F Carson Ferdinand

A New Maryland native, Ferdinand spent last season with the under-18 Fredericton Caps where he posted nine goals and 18 assists in 34 regular season. He added four goals and three assists in 11 playoff games. Ferdinand, who will turn 17 in November, is the younger brother of Mathew Ferdinand, who has attended Sea Dogs training camp in the past.

F Wyatt Jinman

A 14th-round pick of the Mississauga Steelheads in the 2023 OHL Priority Selection, Jinman has only appeared in five OHL games in his career. Jinman has spent most of his junior career in the OJHL, including last season with the Collingwood Blues where he posted seven goals and 22 assists in 48 games. Jinman, who will turn 19 in October, is listed at 6'3" and 165 lbs.

F Brayden Waterhouse

A Fredericton native, Waterhouse has spent the past two seasons with the Fredericton Caps. Last season, the 17-year-old recorded 18 goals and 32 assists in 37 regular season games and added six goals and six assists in 11 playoff contests. He also appeared in one game with the MHL's Edmundston Blizzard – who selected him 12th overall in the 2025 draft – last season.

Saint John's training camp will start later this month. The team's pre-season schedule begins on Wednesday, Aug. 26 when the Sea Dogs host the Moncton Wildcats in St. Stephen.

Sea Dogs make two deals with Cataractes

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The Saint John Sea Dogs and Shawinigan Cataractes made a couple deals on the opening day of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League trade period.

The Sea Dogs acquired 20-year-old defenseman Julien Lanthier from the Cataractes in exchange for a 2027 second-round pick (originally Charlottetown's) and a conditional 2028 second-rounder. In a separate deal, Saint John traded forward William Yared to Shawinigan for a conditional 2029 second-round pick.

Lanthier will likely be a key piece on Saint John's backend this year – one that looks to make major improvements. The overager has appeared in 225 regular season QMJHL games split between the Cataractes and Baie-Comeau Drakkar. He's also appeared in 38 playoff games.

“Julien is one of the most experienced defensemen in the league,” said Sea Dogs president and general manager Trevor Georgie in a news release. “We are adding a reliable, high-character, two-way defenseman with more than 30 playoff games of experience who wants to win.”

Lanthier posted three goals and 12 assists in 43 regular season games last year. He added a goal and three assists in 11 playoff games.

Listed at 6'0" and 185 lbs, Lanthier was the 10th overall pick in the 2022 QMJHL Entry Draft.

Yared, meanwhile, was rumoured to be on the move.

“After discussions with William, the timing made sense for a fresh start for him,” said Georgie in the team's press release. “We wish him the best of luck with his new team and in taking the next step in his hockey career.”

Yared was the fifth overall pick in the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft. He posted 24 goals and 31 assists in 106 games with Saint John split over two seasons.

It will be interesting to see how Yared performs in Shawinigan, who should have a good team this coming season.

The Sea Dogs visit Shawinigan on Jan. 14 while the Cataractes play in Saint John on Feb. 24.

The QMJHL's pre-season trade period ends on Sept. 2.

Joseph to wear an 'A' at Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Alexis Joseph has officially been named to Canada's roster for the upcoming Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Joseph was one of 22 players named to the team that will take part in the under-18 tournament beginning on Monday. The Saint John Sea Dogs forward will wear an 'A' on his sweater.

Meet the captains! / Voici nos capitaines! 🇨🇦

C: Landon DuPont (@HockeyAlberta)
A: Alexis Joseph (@HockeyQuebec)
A: Maddox Schultz (@hockeysask)#HlinkaGretzkyCup | #CoupeHlinkaGretzky pic.twitter.com/Yez2bgQhsd

— Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada) August 1, 2026

Joseph was named to Canada's camp roster a couple weeks ago and was essentially a lock to make the team. Joseph has already represented Canada at both the under-17 and under-18 levels. 

The 17-year-old appeared in two games as an underager with Team Canada at the IIHF U18 World Championship this spring. Last fall, Joseph captained Canada Red to a gold medal at the U17 World Challenge, a tournament that saw him record six goals and seven assists in five games.

Other QMJHL players named to Canada's roster for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup include Sam Berthiaume (Cape Breton Eagles), Malik L'Italien (Halifax Mooseheads), Quinn Norman (Newfoundland Regiment) and Benjamin Veitch (Newfoundland Regiment).

The event takes place Aug. 3-8 in Edmonton. Canada will play Switzerland (Aug. 3), Slovakia (Aug. 4) and Sweden (Aug. 5) before the playoff round takes place Aug. 7-8. All of Canada's games will air on TSN.

Joseph is one of three Sea Dogs that will be playing in the tournament. Oliver Ozogany will play for Slovakia while Matyas Cancik was named to Czechia's roster.

Report: Yared to be traded

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

William Yared will be traded in the coming days, reports Matthew Vachon of La Nouvelliste.

Vachon reports that the Saint John Sea Dogs forward will be dealt to the Shawinigan Cataractes when the QMJHL's trade period opens on Monday.

Pause du congé de paternité:

À l’ouverture de la période des transactions dans la #LHJMQ, l’attaquant natif de Mont-Royal Will Yared va passer des Sea Dogs aux Cataractes.

Sélectionné au 5e rang en 2024, Yared, 18 ans, a 106 matchs et 55 points en deux saisons.

— Matthew Vachon (@MatthewVachon_) July 30, 2026

There has been speculation for a few months now that Yared would be on the move at some point this off-season.

The fifth overall pick in the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft, Yared hasn't quite been able to find the level he was projected to reach – and a fresh start might be the right move for him. The 18-year-old recorded 10 goals and 15 assists in 48 games last season, five points less than he generated in his rookie season (a season where he played in 10 additional games).

Yared is committed to Penn State University following his QMJHL career.

The QMJHL's pre-season trade period opens on Monday and will end on Sept. 2.

Sea Dogs invite Hlacar, Connors to camp

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The Saint John Sea Dogs have announced a couple of intriguing training camp invites.

20-year-old forward Matthew Hlacar – a recent Memorial Cup champion with the Kitchener Rangers – and 19-year-old defenseman Jayden Connors – who was this year's Maritime Junior Hockey League playoff MVP – have both been invited to Saint John's training camp next month.

Hlacar was a seventh-round pick of the Toronto Maple Leafs in the 2025 NHL Draft. He's spent the past two seasons with the Rangers and is more known for his physicality than his offensive numbers.

In 94 career regular season OHL games, the Binbrook, ON native posted 13 goals and seven assists. He added two goals in 29 playoff games.

It'll be interesting to see how Hlacar performs at training camp. He'll need to have a strong camp to take one of the team's overage spots. It's interesting as well to see Saint John inviting a gritty forward from Ontario – something Jim Hulton did a lot of during his time with the Charlottetown Islanders.

Connors, meanwhile, also has OHL roots. The Toronto native has appeared in four career OHL games, including three last season with the Sudbury Wolves. Connors spent most of 2025-26 campaign with the MHL champion Truro Bearcats, posting seven goals and 19 assists in 32 regular season games and another two goals and seven helpers in 17 playoff contests. 

Connors, who was considered one of the MHL's top defensemen last season, also has BCHL and OJHL experience. He's committed to the NCAA's University of New Hampshire for the 2027-28 season.

Sea Dogs training camp will begin next month ahead of the team's pre-season schedule. Saint John's first exhibition game is set for Aug. 26 in St. Stephen where they'll host the Moncton Wildcats.

Glance scores at Showcase; Ozogany heading to Hlinka

Saint John Sea Dogs forward Jamie Glance showed off his scoring ability in Team USA Blue's 5-1 victory over Finland on Monday at the World Junior Summer Showcase.

Glance, playing on a third line with Cooper Simpson and Logan Stuart for a second straight game, scored in the third period to give the Americans a 4-1 lead at the time.

Jamie Glance has been quite noticeable today and he just made it 4-1 USA Blue. #WJSS #NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/Axs6CmZ3fU

— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) July 27, 2026

Team USA Blue defeated Sweden 6-1 the day before.

Sea Dogs draft pick Vertti Svensk was in Finland's lineup again on Monday, playing on the team's second defense pairing.

There are no games at the event on Tuesday. Play resumes Wednesday with the United States facing Finland and Canada opening up their schedule against Sweden. Sea Dogs goaltender Samuel Meloche is part of the Canadian roster.

Rosters for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, meanwhile, continue to take shape. On Monday, the Sea Dogs confirmed that forward Oliver Ozogany, who was selected 44th overall by the club in this year's CHL Import Draft, has been named to Slovakia's roster for the event.

The 17-year-old spent last season with the USHL's Tri-City Storm, posting nine goals and eight assists in 56 regular season games. 

Ozogany played with Slovakia at this year's IIHF U18 World Championship where he had one assist in five games.

The Sea Dogs will be well represented at this year's Hlinka Gretzky. Matyas Cancik has been named to Czechia's roster while Alexis Joseph was previously named to Team Canada's camp roster.

The tournament takes place Aug. 3-8 in Edmonton.

Cancik named to Czechia's Hlinka Gretzky Cup roster

Jan Běhounek

Fowrard Matyas Cancik, who officially signed with the Saint John Sea Dogs last week, has been named to Czechia's roster for the upcoming Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

Cancik has played internationally for Czechia in the past, most notably at last year's U17 World Challenge where he recorded a goal and an assist in four games.

Selected with the 14th overall pick in this year's CHL Import Draft, Cancik signed a QMJHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the Sea Dogs on Thursday.

Czechia roster for the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. pic.twitter.com/wxwHKNXBad

— Czech Prospects (@CZprospects) July 26, 2026

Cancik split last season with Bílí Tygři Liberec's under-20 and under-17 teams. At the U17 level, the forward posted 22 goals and 22 assists in just 23 games while adding three goals and seven assists in nine playoff games. At the U20 level, he recorded a goal and seven assists in 12 games.

Czechia's first game is Monday, Aug. 3 against the United States. The tournament, which is being held in Edmonton, concludes on Aug. 8.

Sea Dogs forward Alexis Joseph was previously named to Team Canada's camp roster for the Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

It's going to be a busy couple weeks for Sea Dogs players and international play. On Sunday, the World Junior Summer Showcase got underway with the recently signed Jamie Glance and import pick Vertti Svensk both in action.

Svensk was on Finland's second defense pairing in a 4-1 win over USA White. In the second game of the day, Glance – playing on a third line with Cooper Simpson and Logan Stuart – helped USA Blue defeat Sweden 6-1.

Three Sea Dogs to play in WJC Summer Showcase

Three Saint John Sea Dogs will take part in the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase, which is set to begin on Sunday in Windsor.

Goaltender Samuel Meloche, who the Sea Dogs acquired from the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies this off-season, has been named to Canada's roster. Recently signed forward Jamie Glance will play for the Americans while defenseman Vertti Svensk, who the team selected in this year's CHL Import Draft, will suit up for Finland.

The tournament is an early step in evaluating players for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship. Four countries are participating: Canada, United States, Finland and Sweden.

The event begins with a pair of games on Sunday but Canada won't play their first contest until Wednesday night against Sweden.

Eight players from the QMJHL were named to the Canadian squad: goaltenders Meloche, Lucas Beckman (Cape Breton Eagles) and William Lacelle (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada); forwards Caleb Desnoyers (Moncton Wildcats) and Philippe Veilleux (Val-d’Or Foreurs); and defensemen Alex Huang (Chicoutimi Saguenéens), Charlie Morrison (Québec Remparts) and Xavier Villeneuve (Blainville-Boisbriand Armada).

Sea Dogs head coach Jim Hulton is an assistant coach with the Canadian world junior team.

Cancik signs with Sea Dogs

Jan Běhounek

The Saint John Sea Dogs announced a significant signing on Thursday, inking Matyas Cancik to a QMJHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

The Czech forward was Saint John's top pick – 14th overall – in this year's CHL Import Draft.

"We're excited to welcome Matyas to the Sea Dogs," said Sea Dogs president and general manager Trevor Georgie in a news release. "He's as tenacious as he is talented. He's a really mature young man, and we know he'll make the most of his opportunity. He's going to be fun for our fans to watch over the coming seasons."

Cancik split last season with Bílí Tygři Liberec's under-20 and under-17 teams. At the U17 level, the forward posted 22 goals and 22 assists in just 23 games while adding three goals and seven assists in nine playoff games. At the U20 level, he recorded a goal and seven assists in 12 games. 

Cancik, listed at 5'9" and 170 lbs, is familiar with the Maritimes having played in the U17 World Challenge in Truro this past November. He recorded a goal and an assist in four games with Czechia.

The 17-year-old will join the Sea Dogs for training camp this August, according to the team.

Cancik is the first of Saint John's three 2026 import picks to sign. They also selected 17-year-old Slovakian forward Oliver Ozogany and 18-year-old Finnish defenseman Vertti Svensk.

Joseph invited to Hlinka Gretzky Cup camp

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Saint John Sea Dogs forward Alexis Joseph has been invited to Hockey Canada's under-18 team training camp ahead of the 2026 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.

The invite comes as no surprise given that Joseph has represented Canada at both the under-17 and under-18 levels already. The 17-year-old appeared in just two games as an underager with Team Canada at the IIHF U18 World Championship this spring.

Just 27 players were invited to the camp and Joseph, who is one of the top prospects for the 2027 NHL Draft, is essentially a lock to make the team. The roster also includes Landon DuPont, who is considered the top-ranked prospect.

According to Hockey Canada's release, "of the 27 players, 25 suited up for Canada Red or Canada White at the U17 World Challenge, one player won a bronze medal at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup (DuPont) and one represented Canada at the 2026 IIHF U18 Men’s World Championship (Joseph)."

Six QMJHL players earned invites: forwards Joseph, Malik L’Italien (Halifax Mooseheads) and forward Benjamin Veitch (Newfoundland Regiment); defenseman Quinn Norman (Newfoundland Regiment); and goaltenders Sam Berthiaume (Cape Breton Eagles) and Mathys Fortin (Drummondville Voltigeurs).

The annual Hlinka Gretzky Cup will take place Aug. 3-8 at Edmonton's Rogers Place and the attached Downtown Community Arena.

Canada opens the tournament against Switzerland on Aug. 3 followed by Slovakia on Aug. 4 and Sweden on Aug. 5. Playoff rounds take place Aug. 7-8.

Hulton named to WJC coaching staff

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Jim Hulton has been named one of Team Canada's assistant coaches for the 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship.

The Saint John Sea Dogs bench boss will work under head coach Misha Donskov. From Hockey Canada's news release:

Hulton was named head coach of the Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) last month, after 11 seasons as head coach of the QMJHL’s Charlottetown Islanders. He has represented Canada six times over the course of his career, starting with his debut as an assistant coach with Canada’s National Men’s Summer Under-18 Team at the 2001 Six Nations Cup. He made his head coaching debut for Canada at the 2003 Junior World Cup, before helping Canada to a World Juniors silver medal in 2004 and a gold medal in 2005 as an assistant coach. He also represented Canada as associate head coach at the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games and was an assistant coach at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship. Hulton has also served in various coaching capacities with the North Bay Centennials (1998), Mississauga IceDogs (1998-00), Belleville Bulls (2000-03), Kingston Frontenacs (2003-06), Royal Military College (2007), St. Michael’s Majors (2008), Florida Panthers (2008-10) and Tri-City Storm (2013-15).

Drew Bannister (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds), Brad Lauer (Spokane Chiefs) and Ryan Getzlaf were also named assistant coaches.

Canada’s National Junior Team will begin preparations for the tournament at the World Junior Summer Showcase, which will take place July 26 to Aug. 1 in Windsor.

The 2027 IIHF World Junior Championship will be held in Edmonton and Red Deer this winter.

Howard commits to Merrimack

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Ryan Howard has committed to the NCAA's Merrimack College Warriors.

Howard, who was traded to the Saint John Sea Dogs in June, made the announcement on Instagram Thursday. The 18-year-old forward confirmed that he'll begin attending the Hockey East school following the completion of his junior career.

"I am proud and honoured to announce my commitment to play D1 hockey and further my education at Merrimack College following my time in junior," wrote Howard. "A huge thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way!"

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Howard and defenseman Thomas Charbonneau were traded to the Sea Dogs last month. Howard has spent the previous two years of his QMJHL career with the Quebec Remparts, posting 12 goals and 19 assists in 124 regular season games.

Last season, Howard registered nine goals and 11 assists in 62 games. He added two goals in eight playoff games.

Merrimack, based near Lowell in North Andover, Mass., is not a college hockey heavyweight but is coming off an exciting 2025-26 campaign. The Warriors entered the Hockey East Tournament as the eighth-seed and went on to win their first conference title. They became the first eight seed to win the tournament.

Armada sold to American businessman

The Blainville-Boisbriand Armada are staying in the Montreal area – at least for now.

The QMJHL announced Tuesday that the Armada have been sold to John Moreland, "an American entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist from Irvine, California."

The league's press release notes that Moreland "intends to keep the franchise in Boisbriand." But given that Moreland is an American, the Armada's many years of attendance struggles and the QMJHL's desire to put a franchise(s) back in the United States, speculation of relocation likely won't be going away.

The Armada averaged 2,406 fans per game last season, the fifth fewest in the QMJHL. It's the first time the franchise surpassed the 2,000 average since 2019-20.

The Armada have been in Boisbriand since the 2011-12 season but have struggled to build a sizeable fan base given the crowded market they play in. The AHL's Laval Rocket play 20 minutes away.

“First and foremost, I would like to thank the Armada’s outgoing ownership group, consisting of Pierre Gendron, Jean-François Trudeau, Québecor, Stéphane Brien, Jean-Sébastien Giguère, Joël Bouchard, Ian Laperrière, Jason Pominville, Daniel Brière, Knapper, and Benoit Villemaire,” said QMJHL commissioner Mario Cecchini in the release. “The Armada made significant progress under their leadership in the highly competitive entertainment market of the Greater Montreal area. Mr. Gendron and Mr. Trudeau were always present and actively involved during the League’s Assembly of the Members meetings, and they made a tremendous contribution to the growth of both the Armada and the QMJHL. I would also like to extend a special thank you to Joël Bouchard, who has always had the Armada’s best interests at heart. 

“A new chapter begins today, and I would like to thank and welcome John Moreland, a true hockey enthusiast who will help raise the Armada’s standards across the board.”

Despite the attendance struggles, the Armada have delivered a strong product on the ice, playing in the third-round of the QMJHL playoffs five times and the league final twice.

Blainville-Boisbriand is likely to struggle this coming season after making a run this past year – which isn't going to help fan interest or silence any speculation of a move.

Williams invited to U17 camp

Vincent Éthier/QMJHL

Lawrence Williams has been invited to Hockey Canada’s national under-17 development camp, which is set to take place July 17-21 in Oakville, ON.

Williams, who was drafted 14th overall by the Saint John Sea Dogs in June's QMJHL Entry Draft, was one of 80 players to earn invites. 

The roster is made up of eight goaltenders, 24 defensemen and 48 forwards. 20 of the invitees were drafted into the QMJHL.

The camp is the first step in evaluating players for the 2026 U17 World Challenge, which is scheduled for Nov. 1-7 in Oakville. Canada will have two teams in the event once again this year.

Williams spent last season playing under-18 hockey with the Weeks Major Midgets where he posted 10 goals and 28 assists in 32 regular season games. He added a goal and six assists in 14 playoff games.

The Sea Dogs have been well represented in the U17 World Challenge over the years. Last year in Truro, Sea Dogs forward Alexis Joseph captained Canada Red to a gold medal. Joseph finished the tournament with six goals and five assists, placing him second in tournament scoring and in a tie for the lead in goals.

Notebook: Poirier signs in Germany

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Jeremie Poirier is heading overseas.

The former Saint John Sea Dogs defenseman has signed with Adler Mannheim of the DEL, Germany's highest level of professional hockey. The club announced the signing on Thursday.

The 24-year-old has spent his entire professional career in the AHL, mostly with the Calgary Wranglers. Poirier was traded to the Texas Stars this past season.

Adler verpflichten Jérémie Poirier ✍️

🔗 https://t.co/e8hZAUwENl

Der 24-jährige Kanadier wechselt aus der nordamerikanischen AHL in die @DELoffiziell und erhält bei den Adlern die Rückennummer 54.#AdlerMannheim #PENNYDEL #Eishockey #Hockey #DEL #Mannheim #MERC #Summer pic.twitter.com/t8ZnztYsCd

— Adler Mannheim (@adlermannheim) July 9, 2026

In 51 games split between the Wranglers and Stars in 2025-26, Poirier posted five goals and 11 assists. He leaves North America having recorded 22 goals and 90 assists in 214 regular season AHL games. He had another three goals and nine assists in 17 playoff contests.

Poirier was a third-round pick of the Calgary Flames in the 2020 NHL Draft but never got into an NHL game. He spent four seasons with Saint John and helped the club win the 2022 Memorial Cup.

SPADAFORE SIGNS WITH FLAMES

Jordan Spadafore is returning to Saint John.

The former Sea Dogs defenseman has signed with the Saint John Flames of the Beausejour Senior Hockey League for the 2026-27 season, the club announced last week. 

The 25-year-old spent parts of two seasons with the Sea Dogs. He also played with the Rimouski Oceanic and Val-d'Or Foreurs during his QMJHL career.

Spadafore played a couple seasons at Nipissing University in North Bay before turning pro in 2023-24. He spent a season with the SPHL's Evansville Thunderbolts before signing with the Milton Keynes Lightning of the National Ice Hockey League, the second-tier of pro hockey in Great Britain. He has played the past two seasons overseas.

So far, along with Spadafore, the Flames will feature former Sea Dogs Nick Blagden, Zach Alchorn and Kiefer Lyons.

Video: Joseph shows off shootout skills

QMJHL

Saint John Sea Dogs forward Alexis Joseph showed off some impressive shootout skills this weekend at the Make Your Move event in Boisbriand.

According to its website, those who attended the 2026 Make Your Move event would "experience the most electric night of the summer. A shootout-only event featuring elite players, influencers, and unreal creativity."

The QMJHL Stars team consisted of Joseph, Maddox Dagenais, Justin Carbonneau, Kyan Labbé and Nathan Quinn.

Obviously, Alexis Joseph would score on that move! 🔥@SJSeaDogs pic.twitter.com/agS2RHSAZr

— QMJHL (@QMJHL) July 11, 2026

He's unbelievable!!! 🤯🤯🤯

Having done so earlier today, Alexis Joseph strikes again at Make Your Move Hockey! Wow! 🔥

@SJSeaDogs pic.twitter.com/YkfeHVHok3

— QMJHL (@QMJHL) July 12, 2026

Rewatch the best moments of the Open Category final at Make Your Move Hockey with our camera! 🎥

The QMJHL Stars, featuring Alexis Joseph, Maddox Dagenais, Justin Carbonneau, Kyan Labbé and Nathan Quinn, took the win! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/bUgxBTw62K

— QMJHL (@QMJHL) July 12, 2026

The Sea Dogs did not take part in any shootouts this past season, so we've yet to see Joseph's skill set in the breakaway contest.

According to the league, the QMJHL Stars won the open category.

A number of former QMJHL stars were also in attendance, including former Sea Dogs forward William Dufour.

McFadden signs with USHL's Steel

Saint John Sea Dogs prospect Brian McFadden has signed a standard player development agreement with the USHL's Chicago Steel, the team announced Friday.

The 18-year-old defenseman was recently selected in the fifth-round of this year's NHL Draft by the Washington Capitals.

Listed at 6'5" and 183 lbs, McFadden just completed his second and final season with Thayer Academy. In 29 games with the US prep school last season, McFadden, the team's captain, recorded two goals and 15 assists.

Signed on the dotted line 🖊️

Washington Capitals draft pick Brian McFadden has signed his USHL SPDA for the 2026-27 season 🤝 #ChicagoHockey #USHL pic.twitter.com/25XP8fmLeJ

— Chicago Steel (@ChicagoSteel) July 10, 2026

McFadden was a seventh-round pick of Saint John in the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft. He appeared in one pre-season game with the Sea Dogs last year before being amongst the second round of cuts from the team's training camp roster.

“It was an unreal feeling. We’re just so thankful that we can all be here.”

Brian McFadden on his reaction to being drafted by the Capitals and describes his style of play as a 6-foot-5 defenseman.#CapsDevCamp pic.twitter.com/iA8vsMFrXT

— Washington Capitals (@Capitals) June 30, 2026

While it seems unlikely that McFadden will join the Sea Dogs this season, there is still a chance he could play for the team down the road – and it will be interesting to see how he adapts to the USHL from prep school hockey. He is committed to Northeastern University.

Sea Dogs add another assistant

Soo Greyhounds

The Saint John Sea Dogs have rounded out their coaching staff for the 2026-27 season.

Joining Jim Hulton's staff will be Daniel Nikandrov, who will be an assistant coach with the Sea Dogs. The team made the announcement on Thursday.

“We are pleased to welcome Danny to the Sea Dogs,” said Sea Dogs president and general manager Trevor Georgie in a release. “He came highly recommended as a player’s coach who builds strong relationships and connects well with young athletes. Having served as a captain during his OHL career, he understands what it takes to compete at this level. Danny was excited about the opportunity to return to the East Coast, and we believe he’ll be an outstanding fit alongside Jim, Guy, and the rest of our coaching staff.”

Nikandrov, 31, spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach with the OHL's Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Prior to that he spent a season as an assistant at StFX University and three other seasons as an assistant at York University.

York is where Nikandrov's playing days ended. His junior career saw him play with the OHL's Sarnia Sting and Peterborough Petes.

The Greyhounds announced on Monday that Nikandrov and fellow assistant coach Brendan Taylor would not return to the club this fall. 

“We want to sincerely thank Danny and Tayls for everything they’ve done for our program and our players, both on and off the ice,” said Greyhound general manager Kyle Raftis in a release. “Their dedication, professionalism, and commitment have had a tremendous impact on our organization. We’re grateful for the contributions they’ve made during their time with the Greyhounds and wish them nothing but continued success in the next chapter of their careers.”

Soo recently named Drew Bannister their new head coach, replacing John Dean.

Nikandrov will join Hulton and fellow assistant Guy Girouard behind the Saint John bench this season. Hulton and Girouard were officially hired last month. Director of hockey operations and assistant coach Kyle MacDonald is the only member of last season's coaching staff set to return.

Sea Dogs alumni on the move

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Fresh off capturing a Calder Cup championship, former Saint John Sea Dogs defenseman William Villeneuve has re-signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Villeneuve signed a two-year deal with the Leafs, the club announced on Wednesday.

From the team's release:

Villeneuve, 24, skated in 61 games with the Marlies last season, recording 30 points (3 goals, 27 assists) while adding 23 points (2 goals, 21 assists) in 24 playoff games en route to a Calder Cup championship. In 226 career AHL games, he has collected 120 points (12 goals, 108 assists). Villeneuve made his NHL debut on April 11, 2026, against the Florida Panthers.

The 24-year-old has spent his entire pro career with the Maple Leafs organization, which was highlighted by a Calder Cup title with the Marlies last month.

A few other Sea Dogs alumni happenings from the past few weeks...

• Josh Lawrence is on the move yet again, signing with HK Olimpija Ljubljana of the ICEHL (which features clubs from around Central Europe). The 24-year-old spent last season in Russia and Slovakia, which was capped off by helping HK Nitra win the Slovak Extraliga. Since turning pro, Lawrence has played in Switzerland, Finland, Russia, Slovakia and now Slovenia.
• Tomas Jurco is returning home, signing with his hometown team, HC Kosice of the Slovak Extraliga, earlier this month. The 33-year-old has spent most of the past five seasons in the KHL and had a brief stint in Switzerland. Jurco hasn't played in a Slovakian league since he was a teenager.
• Nathan Beaulieu has been named an assistant coach of Florida Atlantic University’s Division Il hockey club, which is based in Boca Raton. According to the University Press, Florida Atlantic is coming off a College Hockey South DII Championship. Beaulieu spent last season as an assistant coach at Saint Mary's University.
• Fresh off helping the Florida Everblades win an ECHL championship, Oliver Cooper has signed with the Fredericton Express of the Beausejour Senior Hockey League. The 31-year spent all of last season in the ECHL, recording 25 points in 65 regular season games and another five points in 19 post-season contests. Cooper is a Fredericton native who played four seasons with UNB.
• Aiden MacIntosh is heading overseas. After finishing his final season at York University and helping the Evansville Thunderbolts win a SPHL championship, the 25-year-old has signed with Montpellier in France for the 2026-27 season.
• Former Sea Dogs assistant coach Stefan Legein is returning to the AHL's Belleville Senators for another season. This will be Legein's third season as an assistant with Belleville.