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.

Moncton, Quebec named 2028 Memorial Cup host finalists

The 2028 Memorial Cup will be hosted by either the Moncton Wildcats or Quebec Remparts.

The Canadian Hockey League announced Monday that the two cities are the finalists to host the 2028 tournament, which is the next time the QMJHL has the event.

According to a news release, "Moncton and Quebec were selected by the 2028 Memorial Cup Site Selection Committee, an independent panel of five individuals with extensive experience across the sports landscape. As the first step in the process, the committee reviewed submissions from QMJHL clubs that declared their intent to bid before identifying the two finalist clubs that would advance."

The Newfoundland Regiment and Gatineau Olympiques were believed to also have interest in hosting the event.

Both Moncton and Quebec City have hosted the Memorial Cup in the past – but neither have done so in their new buildings. The Moncton Coliseum hosted the 2006 tournament while Colisee Pepsi hosted a few times, most recently in 2015.

“The Memorial Cup holds a special place in our game because of the players, fans, volunteers, and communities who bring it to life each year,” said Dan MacKenzie, president of the CHL, in a news release. “Moncton and Quebec are two proud hockey markets with deep connections to this championship, passionate fan bases, strong organizational leadership, and a clear understanding of what it takes to host an event of this calibre. We are confident either city would provide an exceptional stage for the 2028 Memorial Cup presented by Kubota, and we thank all of the QMJHL clubs that expressed interest in being part of this process.”

The 2028 host city is expected to be announced by the end of October.

The Rimouski Oceanic were the most recent QMJHL host, holding the event in 2025. The last Maritime city to host was Saint John in 2022.

The OHL's Guelph Storm will host the 2027 Memorial Cup.

2027 NHL Draft hype underway for Saint John

Mathieu Savidant/Saint John Sea Dogs

With Alexis Joseph on their roster, the Saint John Sea Dogs were already a team to watch for the 2027 NHL Draft.

Now, with Jamie Glance officially a Sea Dog, the team will have even more attention on them.

Joseph was ranked as the third best player available for the 2027 NHL Draft by Daily Faceoff last week while Glance was ranked 27th.

"Joseph really impressed me when I watched him at the U-17 World Challenge training camp a year ago," writes Steven Ellis. "In one game, in particular, he had an incredible four goals and five points – a scrimmage, sure, but he was clearly a step ahead of the rest."

The Hockey News recently released a list of five QMJHL players to watch for the 2027 NHL Draft (which was published before Saturday's Glance signing). Joseph was included. 

"He has a fantastic offensive brain that allows him to run a power play and find deft passes in the slot, a trait pretty rare for a player his size, and possesses a very respectable wrist shot that can beat junior goalies easily," writes Rory Arthur.

Joseph had 24 goals and 36 assists in 54 games during his rookie season. It'll be interesting to see what he can do production wise with a better (on paper, at least) supporting cast around him – a cast that now includes Glance.

"Glance plays a highly detailed game – a lot of what he does well doesn’t get rewarded on the scoresheet," writes Ellis. "He forces giveaways, does a good job of chasing after attackers, and draws penalties as well as anyone on the USNTDP this past year. It just feels like every time I zeroed in on Glance, he made something happen."

Glance led the USNTDP under-18 team in scoring last season, posting 23 goals and 33 assists in 62 games.

The Sea Dogs have not had a player selected in the first-round of the NHL Draft since Joe Veleno in 2018. They haven't had two players picked in the opening round since 2015 when Jakub Zboril and Thomas Chabot were both drafted.

Carter Meyer of the USNTDP – who reportedly wants to leave the program early to join the Quebec Remaprts – was ranked fifth. Quebec's James Scantlebury was ranked 29th.

Quebec's lone regular season visit to Saint John is sadly on a Thursday night (Nov. 12). They also meet on Friday, March 12 in Quebec City.

Defenseman Landon DuPont, who recently announced he's leaving the Everett Silvertips to join the University of Michigan, was ranked first by Daily Faceoff.

Glance signs with Sea Dogs

Mathieu Savidant/Saint John Sea Dogs

Jamie Glance is officially a Saint John Sea Dog.

After months of speculation, the Sea Dogs announced Saturday – on July 4, fittingly – that the American forward has been signed to a QMJHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

Glance, who will turn 18 in September, just completed his second and final season with the USNTDP. He's projected to be a first-round pick in next year's NHL Draft.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Jamie to the Sea Dogs,” said Sea Dogs president and general manager Trevor Georgie in a news release. “Jamie is an offensive weapon. He is a pure goal-scorer. He will be a great addition to our team and elevate others around him. He wants to win in Saint John, and after completing two years with the NTDP, this is the natural next step for him.”

Glance led the USNTDP under-18 team in scoring last season, posting 23 goals and 33 assists in 62 games. He also appeared in five games at the IIHF U18 World Championship, recording a goal and four assists.

Glance was selected by Saint John in the sixth-round of the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft. A New Hampshire native, Glance is committed to Boston University, a commitment currently scheduled to begin in 2027-28.

While the signing was made official on Saturday, this is not a new development. The signing has been expected to cross the finish line for a few months now.

Obviously, this is a huge addition to Saint John's offense, especially with the expected departure of Olivers Murnieks. It also makes the Sea Dogs one of the most intriguing teams to watch in terms of the NHL Draft with Glance joining forces with Alexis Joseph. There should be no shortage of scouts at TD Station this year.

Questions remain on Murnieks, Svensk

The 2026 CHL Import Draft is over but some questions still remain for the Saint John Sea Dogs.

The biggest question: what's the status of Olivers Murnieks? Nothing has been made official, but it certainly looks like the Latvian forward will play for Boston College beginning this fall.

Murnieks was selected in the fourth-round of last weekend's NHL Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. In an article on the Sabres website, the team wrote that "the 6-foot-1 centre is committed to Boston College and expected to start there this fall."

"But we’re excited to see what he does," said Jerry Forton, Buffalo's assistant general manager. "It was a big step for the Boston College staff – who we put a lot of faith in, we’re very close with – to bring him in this fall."

The Sea Dogs have said that Murnieks' home for the 2026-27 season would likely be decided by the NHL team that selected him – and it's looking like Buffalo would prefer him playing NCAA hockey. But we'll see how things play out over the next few weeks.

With uncertainty around Murnieks' future, Saint John made three selections in this year's Import Draft, picking Czech forward Matyas Cancik, Slovakian forward Oliver Ozogany and Finnish defender Vertti Svensk.

Busy start to free agency for Sea Dogs alumni

Embed from Getty Images

It was a busy start to NHL free agency for several former Saint John Sea Dogs on Wednesday. Here's a quick rundown of the moves.

• Joe Veleno signed a one-year contract – with a cap hit of $1.2 million – with the New York Rangers for the 2026-27 season. The 26-year-old spent last season with the Montreal Canadiens where he posted two goals and three assists in 61 games. He also saw his first career Stanley Cup Playoff action, posting an assist in nine games. Veleno has now played for four of the NHL's Original Six franchises: Detroit, Chicago, Montreal and now New York.
• Mathieu Joseph signed a one-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers worth an AAV of $1 million. The 29-year-old split last season between the St. Louis Blues and Los Angeles Kings, posting two goals and nine assists in 51 games. He also appeared in two playoff games with the Kings. This will be Joseph's fifth NHL team (Tampa Bay, Ottawa, St. Louis, Los Angeles and Edmonton).
• Riley Bezeau has signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets. The 24-year-old spent all of last season with Columbus' AHL affiliate in Cleveland where he recorded five goals, two assists and 74 penalty minutes in 24 regular season games. He added a goal in eight playoff games. “Riley is a physical and hard-working forward that competes every shift,” said Blue Jackets' president of hockey operations and general manager Don Waddell. “He has earned his opportunity and we look forward to see his further growth in the Blue Jackets organization.”
• Philippe Daoust has signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Ottawa Senators. The 24-year-old just completed his fourth season with the AHL's Belleville Senators. In 63 games last season, Daoust recorded 14 goals and 36 assists – by far the most productive of his professional career, one that has had some injury troubles along the way.
• Boko Imama is heading south, signing a one-year, two-way contract with the Florida Panthers. The 29-year-old has spent the past two seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins organization. Last season, Imama recorded six goals, five assists and 137 penalty minutes in 66 regular season AHL games with the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. He added an assist and 18 penalty minutes in six playoff games. He also appeared in two NHL games with Pittsburgh. Florida's AHL affiliate is the Charlotte Checkers.
• A few days ago, Joshua Roy signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Utah Mammoth that's worth $850,000 at the NHL level. The 22-year-old spent most of last season with the AHL's Laval Rocket where he had 23 goals and 22 assists in 57 regular season games and another two goals in five playoff matches. He also appeared in three NHL games with the Montreal Canadiens.

Other former Sea Dogs to play in the NHL last season: Charlie Coyle (Columbus), Thomas Chabot (Ottawa), Jonathan Huberdeau (Florida), Yan Kuznetsov (Calgary) and William Villeneuve (Toronto).

Sea Dogs pick three in CHL Import Draft

Jan Běhounek

The Saint John Sea Dogs added two forwards and a defenseman during Tuesday's CHL Import Draft.

With their first selection, 14th overall, Saint John selected 17-year-old Czech forward Matyas Cancik. With their second pick of the first-round, the Sea Dogs chose 17-year-old Slovakian forward Oliver Ozogany at 44th overall.

In the second round, the Sea Dogs boosted their backend by selecting Finnish defender Vertti Svensk with the 66th overall pick. Svensk, who was a fifth-round pick of the Los Angeles Kings in this year's NHL Draft, will turn 19 in November.

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.

Ozogany, meanwhile, is more familiar with the North American game having played with the USHL's Tri-City Storm this past season. In 58 games with the Storm, the forward posted nine goals and eight assists.

Listed at 6'2" and 197 lbs, Ozogany played with Slovakia at the recent IIHF U18 World Championship where he recorded an assist in five games.

CHL Import Draft takes place Tuesday

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

The Saint John Sea Dogs made a move on the eve of the CHL Import Draft.

The Sea Dogs made a trade with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, acquiring a second-round pick, 66th overall in Tuesday's Import Draft in exchange for the 78th overall selection and an eighth-round pick in the 2027 QMJHL Entry Draft (originally Drummondville's).

The Sea Dogs now own the 14th, 44th, 66th and 136th overall picks. Saint John is expected to make three selections.

This is the second time the Sea Dogs have inched their way up the second-round, which gives some indication that there are some nerves that the player(s) they want may not be available later in the draft. The CHL Import Draft has always been more about who you know compared to where you pick – but one unexpected selection can really throw off plans.

While not confirmed yet, it's certainly looking like the Sea Dogs may have three open import spots on their roster. Goaltender Arseni Radkov was traded while it seems unlikely that defenseman Carl-Otto Magnusson will return for an overage season. There continues to be noise that forward Olivers Murnieks, who was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres this weekend, will join Boston College for the upcoming season.

Olivers Murnieks des #SeaDogs réclamé par les #Sabres a confirmé tantot qu'il quittait la #LHJMQ pour se joindre à Boston College #NCAA

Meme s'il a eu une saison décevante c'est une grosse perte pour Saint John qui vise les grands honneurs en 26-27

— Stephane Leroux (@StephRDSJunior) June 27, 2026

Murnieks leaving would be a blow to Saint John's forward group – but, in theory, the team has the picks to find a suitable replacement for his offense.

The Sea Dogs made three selections in last year's draft and all three started the season with the club: Murnieks (sixth), defenseman Patryk Zubek (67th) and defenseman Max Vilen (128th). Both Murnieks and Vilen were selected in this year's NHL Draft.

The CHL Import Draft begins at noon Atlantic and can be followed online. A reminder that there are some new rules to keep an eye on.

The OHL's Oshawa Generals will pick first followed by the QMJHL's Halifax Mooseheads and the WHL's Lethbridge Hurricanes.

The Mooseheads acquired the second overall pick from the Baie-Comeau Drakkar on Monday, a move that certainly caught some attention given Halifax's impressive import pick history. As the CHL website notes, "Halifax has built one of the CHL Import Draft’s strongest track records for developing high-end international talent, with alumni including Jakub Voracek, 2017 first-overall NHL Draft pick Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, Ladislav Nagy, Filip Zadina and 2026 Stanley Cup champion Nikolaj Ehlers."

McFadden, Vilen both drafted; 20 QMJHL players picked

Saint John Sea Dogs prospect Brian McFadden was selected by the Washington Capitals in the fifth-round of Saturday's NHL Draft.

The Capitals picked the Holbrook, MA native with the 144th overall pick. The 18-year-old has spent the past couple seasons with Thayer Academy. In 29 games with the US prep school last season, McFadden, the team's captain, recorded two goals and 15 assists.

McFadden is listed at 6'5" and 183 lbs.

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 before being amongst the second round of cuts from the team's training camp roster last August.

On the NHL Network broadcast, it was reported that McFadden is committed to Northeastern University – but not immediately. Where he plays this coming season is unknown and Saint John – or the USHL – is certainly an option.

Former Sea Dogs defenseman Max VileN, meanwhile, was taken in the seventh-round by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Vilen was traded to the Moncton Wildcats mid-season where he helped the club reach the Gilles Courteau Trophy final. The 19-year-old had three goals and 24 assists in 54 regular season QMJHL games and added three goals and nine assists in 21 playoff contests.

Vilen and Sea Dogs forward Olivers Murnieks, who was taken in the fourth-round, were two of the 20 QMJHL players to be selected this weekend.

Murnieks drafted by Sabres

Embed from Getty Images 

Saint John Sea Dogs forward Olivers Murnieks has been drafted by the Buffalo Sabres.

Murnieks was selected in the fourth-round, 124th overall by the Sabres – a special moment given that this year's NHL Draft was being held at Buffalo's KeyBank Center.

The Latvian slid a bit but not too far. Most prospect publications had Murnieks going somewhere between the late second- and fourth-rounds.

The 17-year-old recorded seven goals and 13 assists in 31 games with Saint John last season – an injury plagued campaign. Murnieks also played for Latvia at last season's under-18, under-20 and men's worlds events.

We have selected Olivers Murnieks with the 124th overall pick!

Welcome to Buffalo, Olivers ⚔️

Details → https://t.co/l1hprW0LGM#LetsGoBuffalo | @SenecaBuffalo pic.twitter.com/oZipE26sGi

— Buffalo Sabres (@BuffaloSabres) June 27, 2026

Murnieks is the first active roster Sea Dog to be drafted since Eriks Mateiko went in the third-round to the Washington Capitals in 2024. He is the second Sea Dog to ever be selected by the Sabres with the only other being Felix Schutz in 2006.

It's unclear where Murnieks will play next season. He is eligible to return to Saint John but it's also possible he joins Boston College for the 2026-27 season.

Lawrence drafted by Blues; two QMJHL players picked

Embed from Getty Images

Fredericton's Tynan Lawrence was selected 11th overall by the St. Louis Blues in Friday's opening round of the 2026 NHL Draft.

The younger brother of former Saint John Sea Dogs forward Josh Lawrence, Tynan split last season between the USHL and NCAA.

After recording 10 goals and seven assists in 13 games with the Muskegon Lumberjacks, the forward joined Boston University for the second half where he posted two goals and five assists in 18 games. While it was likely the best move for his development long-term, Lawrence's modest numbers at BU likely pushed him down the draft rankings.

Welcome to the club, Tynan Lawrence! #stlblues pic.twitter.com/8Q0FndhOXf

— St. Louis Blues (@StLouisBlues) June 27, 2026

Lawrence is the first New Brunswicker to be selected in the first-round of the NHL Draft since Bradly Nadeau of St-François-de-Madawaska was taken 30th overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2023. Like Lawrence, Nadeau didn't play in the QMJHL, suiting up in the BCHL before joining the University of Maine.

Only two current QMJHL players were picked on Friday. Quebec Remparts forward Maddox Dagenais went 16th overall to the Blues while Moncton Wildcats defenseman Tommy Bleyl went 31st overall to the Nashville Predators.

As expected, Penn State's Gavin McKenna – formerly of the Medicine Hat Tigers – went first overall to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The remaining rounds of the NHL Draft will take place Saturday.

NHL Draft begins Friday night

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

It's likely to be a quiet Friday night for the Saint John Sea Dogs – but that should change on Saturday.

While no Sea Dogs are likely to be selected in Friday's opening round of the 2026 NHL Draft, at least one current Dog should be picked during Saturday's remaining rounds.

Forward Olivers Murnieks is projected by most to be taken somewhere between the late second- and fourth-rounds. The Latvian recorded seven goals and 13 assists in 31 games with Saint John last season – an injury plagued campaign.

Murnieks also played for Latvia at last season's under-18, under-20 and men's worlds events.

Where Murnieks – who is a Boston College commit – plays next season is unclear. Sea Dogs president and general manager Trevor Georgie has said that decision may ultimately come down to the NHL team that selects him this weekend and what they prefer for his development.

Murnieks was one of five Sea Dogs listed in NHL Central Scouting's final rankings. Cameron Chartrand, William Yared and Dylan Rozzi were also ranked amongst North American skaters while Rafaël Courchesne was listed amongst North American goaltenders. 

98 - Olivers Murnieks 

155 - Cameron Chartrand 

172 - William Yared 

195 - Dylan Rozzi 

27 - Rafaël Courchesne

Another player to keep an eye is defenseman Brian McFadden, who was ranked 115th by NHL Central Scouting. McFadden, who spent last season with the US prep school Thayer Academy, was a seventh-round pick of the Sea Dogs in the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft.

Import Draft details announced

The Canadian Hockey League has announced the selection order and some rule changes for this year's Import Draft.

The annual CHL Import Draft will take place next Tuesday, June 30 beginning at noon Atlantic. The OHL's Oshawa Generals will select first followed by the QMJHL's Baie-Comeau Drakkar and the WHL's Lethbridge Hurricanes.

This year's draft will be three rounds again – but there will be some new rules.

The Saint John Sea Dogs currently own four picks: 14th, 44th, 78th and 136th. The team is expected to select three players.

Two picks in the first-round and another early in the second should allow the Sea Dogs to pick some impact players. The Import Draft is more about who you know than where you pick – but as we've seen in recent years, it takes just one pick ahead of you to throw a wrench into plans. The earlier the picks, the better.

Saint John selected three players in last year's draft: forward Olivers Murnieks along with defensemen Patryk Zubek and Max Vilen.

Villeneuve, Paré win Calder Cup championship

Toronto Marlies

Two former Saint John Sea Dogs are Calder Cup champions.

William Villeneuve, Cedric Paré and the Toronto Marlies captured the 2026 American Hockey League championship on Friday night, defeating the Chicago Wolves 4-3 to win the series in five games.

It's the first Calder Cup title for both and the first AHL championship for the Marlies since 2018.

Villeneuve concluded his phenomenal playoff run with a pair of assists in the win. He finishes the playoffs with two goals and 21 assists in 24 games, placing him first in AHL defensemen scoring and second amongst all skaters.

Villeneuve's 21 assists are tied for the second-most by a defenseman ever in a single Calder Cup postseason.

This was Villeneuve's fourth season with the Marlies – a season that also saw him make his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The 24-year-old was a fourth-round pick of the Maple Leafs in the 2020 NHL Draft.

"I think it's the culture. I got here four years ago & Logan Shaw has been our captain. He's been leading this team through it all."

William Villeneuve to @ShawnMcKenzieSN on the 2026 #CalderCup Champion @TorontoMarlies.@InsideAHLHockey pic.twitter.com/kKgK0hszGt

— Tony Androckitis* (@TonyAndrock) June 20, 2026

Paré, meanwhile, finishes the playoffs with four goals and six assists in 24 games. This is the first professional championship for the 27-year-old, who helped Saint John win the President Cup in 2017.

The Marlies were not predicted by many (if any) to win the Calder Cup this season. The team went 36-26-5-5 in the regular season and entered the playoffs as the seventh best team in the Eastern Conference. The team did not have a bye through the first round of the playoffs and had to face the Rochester Americans in a best-of-three. From there they faced the division champion Laval Rocket and then the Cleveland Monsters in best-of-five matchups. All three of those series went the distance.

The Marlies won the Eastern Conference by defeating the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins in six games. In the Calder Cup final, Toronto won the first three games of the series and took the title in five games.

Four camp invites announced

The Saint John Sea Dogs have announced four free agent training camp invites.

Forwards Dylan Hug, Kareem Baig-Mirza, and Travis Tremblay along with goaltender Olivier Pépin have all received invites. The four will attend Saint John's training camp in August.

Hug, who will turn 17 on Boxing Day, recorded eight goals and eight assists in 42 regular season games with the Magog Cantonniers of the Quebec under-18 league last season. He added an assist in 16 playoff games.

A Sherbrooke native, Hug is listed at 6'1" and 179 lbs.

Baig-Mirza, 17, appeared in 42 games with the under-18 Châteauguay Grenadiers last season and recorded 11 goals and 10 assists. He also played in two playoff games.

Listed at 5'11" and 170 lbs, Baig-Mirza was a fourth-round pick of the Valleyfield Braves in the recent QJHL Draft.

Pépin was a teammate of Baig-Mirza on the Grenadiers last season. The 17-year-old posted a 13-10-0 record to go along with a 3.56 goals against average and a .898 save percentage. In the playoffs he went 2-2-0 with a 4.11 GAA and .929 SV%.

The netminder was a second-round pick of the Princeville Titan in last year's QJHL Draft. He's listed at 6'2" and 174 lbs.

Tremblay, a Cow Bay, NS native, spent last season with the Dartmouth Steele Subaru of the Nova Scotia under-18 circuit, registering 10 goals and 31 assists in 31 regular season contests. He added five goals and six assists in nine playoff games. He also appeared in three playoff games with the Cole Harbour Colts of the NSJHL.

Tremblay, who will turn 17 in November, was a second-round pick of the Yarmouth Mariners in last year's MHL Draft.

Notebook: Lee (officially) joins Mooseheads

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

As reported a couple weeks ago, former Saint John Sea Dogs assistant coach Mark Lee has officially joined the Halifax Mooseheads.

Lee, who will be an assistant coach under Brad MacKenzie, was one of three coaching staff additions announced by the Mooseheads on Wednesday.

“I couldn’t be more excited to join the exceptional staff that Brad MacKenzie, Peter, and Sam Simon have assembled,” said Lee in a Mooseheads release. “Having known Josh Hepditch for a long time and competing against him as both a player and a coach, I know our coaching styles will complement each other perfectly. The Halifax Mooseheads are not just a phenomenal organization; they are an elite brand and a top-tier franchise in the CHL. I am eager to see what we can accomplish this season as we work collectively toward bringing a championship back to Halifax.” 

“Mark’s passion for the game combined with his ability to build relationships and connect with players makes him a great addition to our coaching staff,” said MacKenzie. “He brings with him a wealth of experience from his playing career as well as recent history coaching in the QMJHL. I’m looking forward to working alongside Mark and having him work closely with our players.”

Lee, who was sitting with the Mooseheads at this year's QMJHL Entry Draft, was an assistant coach with the Sea Dogs for four seasons. He departed the organization at the same time as Travis Crickard.

DRAFT RANKINGS

The 2026 NHL Draft is just over a week away.

Over at FloHockey, Chris Peters has released his final draft rankings. Sea Dogs forward Olivers Murnieks was ranked 50th.

"He’s a good two-way player with potentially limited offensive upside, but looks like he has the jam to play down the lineup if all works out," writes Peters.

The Hockey Writers, meanwhile, listed Murnieks as one of their "sleeper picks" for this year's draft.

"His offensive game isn’t particularly exciting, but he has a decent shot and can make reasonably clever passes under pressure," they write. "There’s certainly bottom-six potential for Murnieks and his late July birthday means he has lots of development still to come."