Notebook: Magnusson signs in BCHL

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Carl-Otto Magnusson has found a home for the 2026-27 season.

The overage defenseman has signed with the Nanaimo Clippers of the BCHL. The move comes after Magnusson was not part of UConn's freshman class for this upcoming season.

“I’m really excited to join the Nanaimo Clippers and get to know all the guys, the town and the community,” said Magnusson in a news release. “I’m looking forward to getting over there, meeting everyone and competing with the team. I can’t wait to get started!”

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

While eligible to play another season in the QMJHL, he would take up both an overage and import spots, something that doesn't happen too often.

REGIMENT CAMP IN SUMMERSIDE

The Newfoundland Regiment are holding the first portion of their training camp in Summerside.

The Regiment are using the Gerard "Turk" Gallant Arena, which is the secondary ice surface at Summerside's Credit Union Place. In attendance on Thursday was Gallant himself. 

The former Sea Dogs head coach was seen catching up with another former Sea Dogs head coach in Gordie Dwyer, the Regiment's bench boss and general manager.

The pride of Summerside 🤩

Jack Adams winner and local legend Gerard Gallant stopped by the rink this morning to take in some intrasquad action.

Unite. Inspire. Defend. pic.twitter.com/imzS74xhjB

— Newfoundland Regiment (@nlregiment) August 20, 2026

The Regiment will play a couple pre-season games in the Maritimes this weekend before shifting things to Newfoundland.

OCEANIC CUT

One of the first players to be reassigned from Rimouski Oceanic camp was American forward Max Donatelli.

It was announced earlier this summer that Donatelli would attend Oceanic camp on loan from the Sea Dogs. He remains listed on Saint John's online pre-season roster.

The 19-year-old played his fourth season of US prep school hockey at St. George's School this past year where he posted 17 goals and 33 assists in 26 games. He also appeared in 27 games with the NV River Rats under-18 team where he recorded 10 goals and 15 assists. 

The Rhode Island native attended Saint John's training camp last year.

ZUBEK BACK HOME

One notable name not on Newfoundland's pre-season roster is defenseman Patryk Zubek.

Zubek was selected in the second-round, 67th overall by Saint John in the 2025 CHL Import Draft. He appeared in 29 games with the Sea Dogs during the first half, recording six assists. He was claimed off waivers by the Regiment in January but played just five games with the club during the second half.

Elite Prospects lists the 19-year-old as a member of the HC Sparta Praha under-20 team for the 2026-27 season.

NOEL BACK IN NORFOLK

Former Sea Dogs forward Nathan Noel has re-signed with the ECHL's Norfolk Admirals.

The 29-year-old played 46 games with the Admirals last season, posting two goals and seven assists. He also appeared in 17 games with the Iowa Heartlanders where he posted an assist.

"Adding Nathan Noel is a big get for our Organizational Identity," said Norfolk head coach and general manager Jeff Carr in a news release. "He’s a violent centre in the face-off circle, an agitator and a penalty kill specialist. He provides that and so much more with his focus for a full 60 every night, his art of being the team glue guy, and the most important factor of having over 300 pro games at the ECHL and AHL level."

Noel is an ECHL veteran at this point, playing in 236 games over eight seasons in the league.

The St. John's native played four seasons with the Sea Dogs and helped the club win the 2017 President Cup.

OTHER STUFF

• Swift Current Online chats with former Sea Dogs head coach Travis Crickard about Swift Current Broncos training camp. Crickard is set to begin his first season as head coach and general manager of the WHL club.
• Mentioned recently that former Sea Dog Blade Mann-Dixon has been named goaltending coach of the StFX men's and women's hockey teams. This week, Mann-Dixon was also named the goaltending coach of the MHL's Truro Bearcats.
• The Saint John Flames of the Beausejour Senior Hockey League announced a major signing this week, inking forming NHL goaltender Keith Kinkaid to a deal. The 37-year-old spent last season playing senior hockey in Newfoundland. Kinkaid last appeared in an NHL during the 2022-23 season.
• The Victoriaville Tigres will retire Yanni Gourde's No. 23 in February.
• After tearing their rink down last season, the Northeastern University Huskies will be homeless for the 2026-27 campaign. The team, which has become a popular landing spot for QMJHL players, will play just one "home" game all season.