New era set to begin for Sea Dogs

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

This will be interesting.

A new era of Saint John Sea Dogs hockey begins on Friday in Halifax as Brian Casey takes over as head coach. Head coach Travis Crickard and Mark Lee are no longer with the Sea Dogs, the club announced Thursday.

The Casey era may be short-lived as the Sea Dogs will conduct a full coaching search this off-season. While Casey may not end up being here long term, how this group of players perform on the ice will be interesting.

We may see some different systems. Some different combinations. Maybe a whole new vibe on the ice. Maybe some players used in different situations. In a way, the next few weeks will be a temperature check to see how this group performs under a new voice, which could impact what this team – behind the bench and on it – looks like next season.

The Sea Dogs have nine regular season games remaining and likely a first round playoff series.

A few other news and notes following Thursday's news...

• The Telegraph-Journal is reporting that both Crickard and Lee resigned.
• This is about as late as it gets for coaching changes. But, as mentioned, this move gives the club a chance to see what these players look like under a different voice. They've had plenty of time to perform under Crickard.
• The Sea Dogs will be conducting a full coaching search in the off-season. Obviously, this is a great audition for Casey.
• This is a bit hard to believe, but Crickard leaves as the franchise leader in games coached. Crickard was behind the Sea Dogs bench for 238 games, which is more than Jacques Beaulieu (206) and Gerard Gallant (201).
• Crickard is also the franchise leader in losses as a head coach with 158. He is fourth in wins with 80.
• With Crickard and Lee both gone, that leaves director of hockey operations and assistant coach Kyle MacDonald and assistant coach Tim Archambault with Casey.
• I'm always cheering for the next generation of coaches to find success. I liked Crickard's transparency and openness with media and fans. Hoping these two find success in the future.
• Who will the Sea Dogs hire this off-season as head coach? I don't know (hot take) but I would assume it will be an extensive search (hotter take) with the team potentially trying to be a contender next season. The timing will also be interesting. We've truly entered the recruitment era of junior hockey (... we may have already been it) and not having a head coach in place is less than ideal.