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.