Notebook: MacPherson joins MHL's Tigers

Noah Murray/Charlottetown Islanders

Jase MacPherson has found a new home.

The Maritime Junior Hockey League's Campbellton Tigers announced the addition of MacPherson on the weekend. He was the team's backup on Sunday in Campbellton's 4-1 victory over the Grand Falls Rapids.

MacPherson has not seen any game action this season with the exception of pre-season play with the Saint John Sea Dogs. The 17-year-old was a second-round pick of Saint John in the 2025 QMJHL Entry Draft.

MacPherson spent last season with the under-18 Kensington Wild where he went 11-9 in the regular season with a 3.77 goals against average and a .885 save percentage. He had a great playoffs, going 4-1 with a 2.57 GAA and .936 SV%.

Along with his games with the Wild last season, MacPherson appeared in one game with both the Sea Dogs and MHL's Summerside Western Capitals.

Campbellton's next game is Friday against the Rapids.

DONOVAN'S HAT TRICK

Here's a look at the three goals Alexander Donovan scored in Saint John's 7-5 win in Drummondville on Sunday. It was his first career QMJHL hat trick.

Donovan, who hadn't scored since Oct. 12, continues to lead the Sea Dogs in goals with nine.

Notebook: Fight Cancer game Saturday

Saturday will be the Saint John Sea Dogs' annual Fight Cancer game.

As usual, the Sea Dogs will be wearing pink-themed jerseys for the occasion. Judging by the teaser posted online, this year's jersey will be a pink version of the club's new third sweater.

All set for #SeaDogsFightCancer on Saturday 🩷💙 Select game-worn jerseys are now available through our online auction on DASH. Remaining jerseys will be raffled off during Saturday's game! 🔗 » https://t.co/sixizPfsEM 🎟️ » https://t.co/HddIyY460o #GoDogsGo https://t.co/sXfCciZvsd

— Saint John Sea Dogs (@SJSeaDogs) October 15, 2026

More details from the Sea Dogs' website:

This year, the Sea Dogs are proud to once again partner with Breasts Ahoy, a Saint John-based dragon boat team made up of breast cancer survivors. The organization provides survivors with an opportunity to stay active, build lasting friendships and support one another while raising awareness about life after breast cancer.

Fans can make a difference simply by attending the game. For every ticket purchased using promo code PINK26, $5 will be donated directly to Breasts Ahoy.

Game-worn Sea Dogs Fight Cancer jerseys will also be available through an in-game raffle and online auction, giving fans the opportunity to take home a one-of-a-kind jersey while supporting the cause, with a portion of the proceeds donated to Breasts Ahoy.

Tickets are available now at tickets.sjseadogs.com using promo code PINK26, with $5 from every ticket purchased through the offer donated directly to Breasts Ahoy.

Game time against the Cape Breton Eagles is 4 p.m.

Notebook: Council sports Sea Dogs jerseys

City of Saint John

There were plenty of Saint John Sea Dogs jerseys on display at last week's City Council meeting.

Council members sported Sea Dogs jerseys ahead of the team's home opening weekend. Mayor Donna Reardon wore Olivier Groulx's captain jersey.

The jerseys are discussed at the 14-minute mark of the video below.

RARE SHOOTOUT LOSS

After going the entire 2025-26 season without playing in a shootout, the Sea Dogs took part in one just three games into the 2026-27 campaign.

The Sea Dogs went 0/3 in the breakaway contest and fell 4-3 to the Moncton Wildcats on Friday at TD Station. It was the first career QMJHL shootout attempts for Alexis Joseph and Jamie Glance while Groulx was making just his second appearance.

The Sea Dogs went to extra time nine times last season but all were decided in overtime. Saint John was 4-5 in those games.

Saint John took part in three shootouts during the 2024-25 season, winning all three. The last shootout they played in took place on Dec. 14, 2024 against the Acadie-Bathurst Titan.

The Sea Dogs' last shootout loss came on March 20, 2024, fittingly against the Wildcats at TD Station.

Some Sunday stuff

MIRAMICHI, NB - We're still a few days away from the start of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League regular season, but the Maritime Junior Hockey League campaign is already underway.

Here are a few MHL updates from the weekend – plus a few other notes.

• Some updates on Sea Dogs prospects in the MHL:
• Brock Lyons had an impressive opening weekend, posting two goals and two assists in two games with the Amherst Ramblers, placing him 12th in league scoring (and tied for first amongst rookies). He scored his first career MHL goal on Thursday and added another on Saturday.

  Brock with a beauty!! pic.twitter.com/KpKufDHFUL

  — Amherst JrA Ramblers (@AmherstRamblers) September 12, 2026

• I was in Miramichi on Sunday where Eliot Tozer netted his first career MHL goal with the Timberwolves – a game that saw the Grand Falls Rapids erase a 4-1 deficit in a 5-4 overtime victory. Tozer also posted an assist on Saturday.
• Samuel Pitcher saw action in two of the West Kent Steamers' three games. Pitcher came on in relief Friday, allowing a goal on 10 shots in 20 minutes of play. On Saturday, Pitcher got his first start and allowed five goals on 48 shots in a 5-3 loss to the Valley Wildcats. The Steamers are off to a 0-3 start.
• Former Sea Dogs forward Jonah Leard is wearing the captain's 'C' for Grand Falls.
• As mentioned, former Sea Dogs forwards Dylan and Matthew Krayer have joined the USHL's Tri-City Storm. The two were listed on the Storm's top line for a pre-season game last week.
• Sea Dogs prospect Finnegan Sears has a goal and two assists in two games – both against the USHL's Muskegon Lumberjacks – with the USNTDP under-18 squad. Sears has been on the team's top line.

  Sears bringing us to 3-2 🔥 pic.twitter.com/LYrvFOUOy2

  — USA Hockey’s NTDP (@USAHockeyNTDP) September 12, 2026

• The USHL's regular season begins Wednesday with the Fall Classic, which is being held in Chicago this year.

MHL season underway for Sea Dogs connections

The Maritime Junior Hockey League season got underway on Thursday.

As usual, the MHL will feature a number of players with Saint John Sea Dogs connections – whether they be former players or draft picks.

Here are a few players to keep an eye on. Players with an * are draft picks/prospects.

Amherst - Coen Miller, Darien Reynolds, Brock Lyons* and Jeremie Richard

Grand Falls - Jonah Leard and Reid Calder

Miramichi - Eliot Tozer*

Summerside - Matthew MacLean

Valley - Felix Pronovost*

West Kent - Sam Pitcher*

There are also two former Sea Dogs coaches leading MHL teams this season. Greg Leland is the head coach of the Campbellton Tigers while Jeff Cowan will lead the Grand Falls Rapids.

Prospects Brock Lyons and Eliot Tozer – both forwards who spent most of last season with the Saint John Vito's – will be interesting to follow given the long looks they got at Sea Dogs camp. They could certainly be called up at some point this year.

Lyons scored his first career MHL goal in Amherst's 3-2 loss in Pictou County on Thursday. Coen Miller had the Ramblers' other goal (and a fight as well).

First goal in the MHL for Brock Lyons!! pic.twitter.com/ifo3WGZDHj

— Amherst JrA Ramblers (@AmherstRamblers) September 11, 2026

The league's other 10 teams begin play this weekend. The MHL can be watched on FloHockey.

Notebook: Donovan invited to Habs rookie camp

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Saint John Sea Dogs forward Alexander Donovan will attend Montreal Canadiens rookie camp.

The Canadiens announced their rookie camp roster last week. Donovan will attend as a free agent invite, joining former Sea Dogs defenseman Kale McCallum and goaltender Arseni Radkov.

According to a news release, the camp "will be held at the CN Sports Complex in Brossard and Slush Puppie Centre in Gatineau, from September 11-15. Habs prospects will play two games against the Winnipeg Jets and Ottawa Senators at the Slush Puppie Centre on September 12 and 13 as part of the 2026 NHL Prospect Challenge."

Donovan, 19, is entering his second season with the Sea Dogs. Last year, the Connecticut native recorded 25 goals and 28 assists in 63 regular season games. He had another goal and an assist in four playoff games.

COMING UP

The start of the QMJHL regular season is now less than two weeks away.

The Sea Dogs will open the year Sept. 18-19 with a pair of games in St. John's against the Newfoundland Regiment. Saint John went winless at Mary Brown's Centre last season.

Saint John will host the Moncton Wildcats on Friday, Sept. 25 in the team's home opener at TD Station.

Before all that though, the Sea Dogs have one pre-season game left to play. Saint John, 2-2-0-0 in exhibition play, will take on the Halifax Mooseheads, 4-1-0-0, on Friday at Dartmouth's RBC Centre. These two met last Friday in Saint John where Halifax posted a 7-3 win.

Notebook: Beaulieu on Swift Current pre-season roster

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

A familiar name is on the Swift Current Broncos' pre-season roster.

Former Saint John Sea Dogs forward Jacob Beaulieu was among the 34 players named to Swift Current's roster for the Western Hockey League's pre-season. The Broncos head coach and general manager is Travis Crickard, who obviously knows Beaulieu quite well.

Beaulieu, an overager, spent parts of four seasons in Saint John. He was a seventh-round pick of the team in the 2022 QMJHL Entry Draft.

The Sea Dogs traded Beaulieu to the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada during last season's holiday trade period. He appeared in 32 regular season games with the Armada and another 17 playoff contests

In 210 career QMJHL games, Beaulieu posted 16 goals and 10 assists. He also had 249 penalty minutes – and was known more for his physical presence.

The Broncos continue pre-season play on Friday when they host Saskatoon Blades.

VILEN RETURING TO WILDCATS

The Sea Dogs will be seeing a lot of Max Vilen this season.

The Moncton Wildcats announced on social media that Vilen will return to the club for another season, occupying both an overage and import slot. The Wildcats acquired Vilen from the Sea Dogs during last season's holiday trade period.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Moncton Wildcats (@monctonwildcats)

Vilen recorded a goal and 12 assists in 27 games with the Wildcats in the second half. He added three goals and nine assists in 21 playoff games.

Over the summer, the Swedish defenseman was selected by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the seventh-round of the NHL Draft.

Vilen was selected in the third-round of the 2025 CHL Import Draft by Saint John. He posted two goals and 12 assists in 27 games with the Sea Dogs in the first half.

Notebook: St. Stephen success

FREDERICTON - With Wednesday's victory over the Moncton Wildcats, the Saint John Sea Dogs improved to 3-2-0-0 all-time in pre-season play at St. Stephen's Garcelon Civic Center.

The Sea Dogs have hosted the Wildcats in three of the five meetings. Saint John has won two of those three games.

Here's a look at the Sea Dogs' all-time results in St. Stephen.

Aug. 26, 2018 - 3-2 win vs Moncton

Aug. 23, 2019 - 4-2 loss vs Halifax

Aug. 20, 2024 - 4-1 win vs Charlottetown

Aug. 20, 2025 - 4-1 loss vs Moncton

Aug. 26, 2026 - 4-1 win vs Moncton

The Sea Dogs continue pre-season play in another border town on Sunday when they host the Rimouski Oceanic at 4 p.m. in Woodstock.

It's the second time the Sea Dogs have held a pre-season game at the AYR Motor Centre. Last year, the Sea Dogs fell to the Wildcats 5-4 in Woodstock.

GLANCE'S FIRST SHIFT

Highly touted American forward Jamie Glance made his QMJHL pre-season debut on Friday. He finished the game with an assist, two shots, one hit and a -2 rating. He had a great scoring chance in the second period, skating through the Moncton defense only to be stopped.

Glance played on a line with Zachary Morin and Alexis Joseph. Here's a look at his first shift.

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.

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.

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."

Notebook: Peddle commits to StFX

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Former Sea Dogs forward Tyler Peddle as committed to the StFX X-Men for the 2026-27 season.

Peddle was one of seven recruits announced by the X-Men last week. StFX's freshman class will also include forwards Riley Sampson and Jack Greenwell; defensemen Matteo Rotondi, Leyton Stewart and Cory MacGillivray; and goaltender Jack Flanagan.

The move doesn't come as a big surprise given that Peddle's father, Brad, is the long-time coach of the X-Men.

"We are very happy to add Tyler to the team," Brad Peddle said in a release. "He brings a wealth of experience in the QMJHL and at the pro level, attending three NHL camps and exhibition games. Tyler is a very competitive player who brings a heavy power game, plays with pace and will add valuable size and offence to our forward group. He has decided on STFX for the next stage in his development, and we are excited to see him come home and play for the White and Blue."

The 21-year-old spent parts of two seasons with the Sea Dogs. A seventh-round pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2023 NHL Draft, Peddle spent his overage season with the Charlottetown Islanders where he posted eight goals and seven assists in 48 regular season games under Jim Hulton. He added three goals in seven playoff games.

DONATELLI LOANED TO OCEANIC

American forward Max Donatelli, who is on Saint John's protected list, will attend Rimouski Oceanic training camp on a loan, the club announced last week.

Donatelli, who will turn 19 on Monday, just completed his fourth season of US prep school hockey at St. George's School 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. He'd be a long shot to make this year's Sea Dogs team and a loan to another QMJHL squad makes sense.

Notably, the Sea Dogs and Oceanic will meet in pre-season play on Aug. 30 in Woodstock.

Donatelli's brother, Jake, was an eighth-round pick of the Halifax Mooseheads in this year's QMJHL Entry Draft.

Notebook: Thomas back with Sea Dogs

CHL

Former Saint John Sea Dogs captain Mike Thomas is back with the organization.

The team announced Monday that Thomas, who captained the Sea Dogs to a Memorial Cup championship in 2011, has been named Saint John's "Player Mentor."

According to a Sea Dogs news release, "Thomas will work closely with the team’s leadership group, providing mentorship, guidance, and support throughout the season. He will also serve as a resource for players, helping foster a strong team-first culture while supporting the continued development of the club’s leadership core."

Thomas is the first person to have this title with the Sea Dogs.

“We’re excited to welcome Mike back to the team in an official capacity,” said Sea Dogs president and general manager Trevor Georgie. “Since Mike finished his playing career with the Sea Dogs, he has always stayed engaged with the team and taken a keen interest in the development of our players. Mike’s championship pedigree, leadership, and teaching background make him a valuable resource for our team.”

OFFICIATING CHANGES

Ghislain Hébert has been named the QMJHL's Director of Officiating, the league announced this week.

From the league's news release:

Hébert officiated in the NHL from 2009 to 2025, working 1,005 regular-season games over the course of his career. Last season, he officiated in Germany’s top professional league, the DEL.

Prior to joining the NHL in 2009, he spent one season in both the ECHL and the American Hockey League after a seven-year stint in the QMJHL, including four seasons as a linesman and three as a referee. 

Ghislain Hébert assumes his new responsibilities effective immediately and will report to QMJHL Vice-President of Hockey Operations, Éric Chouinard.

Hébert replaces Richard Trottier, who held the position for the past 16 seasons.

Notebook: Sea Dogs returning to St. Stephen

The Saint John Sea Dogs are returning to St. Stephen it appears.

St. Stephen's Garcelon Civic Center has shared on Facebook that the venue will host the Sea Dogs and Moncton Wildcats in a QMJHL pre-season game on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

The Sea Dogs and Wildcats faced off in St. Stephen last year as well. Moncton won the game 4-1.

The Sea Dogs are 1-2-0-0 in pre-season play at the Garcelon Civic Center.

TRADE PERIODS

From Jeremy Fraser of the Cape Breton Post, here's when you could see player movement this week.

QMJHL Trade Periods for Entry Draft Week:

- Tuesday, June 2 - 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

- Thursday, June 4 - 8:30-9:30 a.m.

- Friday, June 5 - During the draft.

- Saturday, June 6 - During the draft.

Note: The times indicated are Atlantic Time. #qmjhl #lhjmq

— Jeremy Fraser (@CBPost_Jeremy) May 30, 2026

LATVIA DONE IN QUARTERS

Olivers Murnieks and Team Latvia had their IIHF World Championship come to an end in the quarterfinals on Thursday, falling 2-0 to Norway.

Murnieks did not play in the game.

The Sea Dogs forward appeared in five of Latvia's eight games and was held pointless.

Finland will take on Switzerland in the gold medal game while Canada will play Norway for bronze.

Notebook: Wildcats honour Boutilier

MONCTON - Paul Boutilier was honoured before Game 5 of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League final on Friday at Avenir Centre.

The Moncton Wildcats held a moment of silence for Boutilier. It was announced on Thursday that the 63-year-old, who had been a defensive consultant with the Wildcats for the past two seasons, had passed away.

Before the game, the @monctonwildcats observed a moment of silence in memory of Paul Boutilier, who passed away yesterday. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/pSYKUY9rAo

— QMJHL (@QMJHL) May 15, 2026

After the game, Wildcats head coach Gardiner MacDougall began his press conference with some words on Boutilier. The two worked together during Saint John's 2022 Memorial Cup run before teaming up again in Moncton.

''He's kind of a trailblazer for the defensive part of the game''

With his usual grace, Gardiner MacDougall paid a heartfelt tribute to the Paul Boutilier, the QMJHL and NHL Alumni who passed away 🕊️ @monctonwildcats pic.twitter.com/OTOkbaiKDT

— QMJHL (@QMJHL) May 16, 2026

Boutilier was an assistant coach with the Sea Dogs for two seasons, helping the club capture the 2017 QMJHL championship.

Saltwire has a story on Boutilier's death, which includes some quotes from former Sea Dogs general manager Darrell Young.

CAPITALS FALL IN FINAL

The host Summerside Western Capitals fell 4-1 to Manitoba's Niverville Nighthawks in the championship game of the Centennial Cup on Sunday.

The Nighthawks have only been around since the 2022-23 season and went 51-6-1 during the regular season. They went undefeated at the Centennial Cup, which included beating the Capitals twice.

Summerside outshot Niverville 35-20, including 12-3 in the third period.

The Capitals featured former Sea Dogs defenseman Matthew MacLean and goaltender Justin Robinson. This was the final game of junior hockey for the 20-year-old MacLean, who spent the past two seasons with the Sea Dogs.

MacLean finished the tournament with a goal and three assists in seven games. Robinson appeared in three games – including a couple minutes of Sunday's game – and allowed seven goals on 58 total shots.

Summerside was looking to win their second national championship and first since 1997 – a team that was coached by Gerard Gallant. An Atlantic Canadian team has not won the Centennial Cup since the Halifax Oland Exports in 2002.

Capitals advance to Centennial Cup final

Mike Bernard/Hockey Canada

The Summerside Western Capitals will play for a national championship on home ice Sunday evening.

Former Saint John Sea Dogs defenseman Matthew MacLean scored and had an assist in the Capitals' 5-2 win over Collège Français de Longueuil on Saturday to earn a spot in the Centennial Cup championship game.

The Capitals will face Manitoba's Niverville Nighthawks for the national title. Game time is 7 p.m. at Summerside's Credit Union Place.

Summerside, who were eliminated in the semifinals of the Maritime Junior Hockey League playoffs, are 4-1-1 at the tournament. The Nighthawks, meanwhile, are 5-0-0.

#CentennialCup SF2 | And they’re from Prince Edward Island! Matthew MacLean puts the @SsideCapitals ahead 2-1 late in the 2nd! pic.twitter.com/9JVyffeQeP

— CJHL (@cjhlhockey) May 16, 2026

Niverville beat Summerside 5-4 in overtime in the preliminary round.

MacLean has a goal and three assists in the tournament. Former Sea Dogs goaltender Justin Robinson has appeared in two games, posting a 3.56 goals against average and a .879 save percentage.

The Capitals won the Centennial Cup in 1997 – a team that was coached by Gerard Gallant. They appeared in the championship game in 2013 – which was also hosted in Summerside – but fell 3-1 to the Brooks Bandits.

An Atlantic Canadian team has not won the Centennial Cup since the Halifax Oland Exports in 2002.

QMJHL final tied at 2-2

Bruno Girard/Chicoutimi Saguenéens

MONCTON - The Gilles-Courteau Trophy final is now a best-of-three.

The Moncton Wildcats overcame 2-0 and 3-1 deficits to defeat the Chicoutimi Saguenéens 4-3 on Wednesday night at Georges Vezina Centre, evening the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League championship series at 2-2.

Game 5 will take place Friday at Avenir Centre. Game 6 will be Sunday night back in Chicoutimi while a Game 7, if needed, would be Tuesday in Moncton.

The Wildcats scored three unanswered goals in Wednesday's win, which included two in the third period. Rian Chudzinski scored the winner at 14:15 of the third.

St. Andrews native Gabe Smith scored twice for Moncton. He continues to lead the QMJHL in playoff goals (18) and points (30).

Former Sea Dogs defenseman Max Vilen was an impressive +3 in the victory. He had one assist and three shots.

A few other news and notes...

• Chicoutimi forward Maxim Massé, the QMJHL's MVP who recorded 51 goals in the regular season, has yet to score in this series against Moncton. He has six goals in 18 playoff games this year.
• This Chicoutimi/Moncton series has been living up to the hype with each of the past three games being decided by a goal.
• It's looking like Avenir Centre will be sold out for Friday's Game 5. The first two games of the series in Moncton had large crowds but were not at capacity.
• In the WHL final, the top-seeded Everett Silvertips have taken a 3-1 series lead over the Prince Albert Raiders. Game 5 is Friday night in Prince Albert.
• At the Centennial Cup, the Summerside Western Capitals will face the Truro Bearcats in quarterfinal play on Friday. Matthew MacLean, Justin Robinson and the Capitals were eliminated in Game 7 of the Maritime Junior Hockey League semifinals by the Bearcats.
• In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Joe Veleno and the Montreal Canadiens have taken a 3-2 series lead over the Buffalo Sabres thanks to a 6-3 win on Wednesday. Veleno had one shot and was a -1 in 9:56 of ice time. Game 6 is Saturday in Montreal.

Notebook: Murnieks scores with Latvian national team

Ansis Ancovs/Latvian Ice Hockey Federation

It's been an eventful year for Olivers Murnieks at the international level.

The Saint John Sea Dogs forward played for Latvia at this year's World Junior Championship and the recent U18 World Championship. Now he's joined the Latvian men's team ahead of the IIHF World Championship – and scored in his debut.

#SJSeaDogs forward Olivers Murnieks made his debut with the Latvian national team today ahead of the #MensWorlds and had a goal in a 3-2 win over Norway!#GoDogsGo pic.twitter.com/emhwY2rwll

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

Latvia won the friendly 3-2 in overtime against Norway. 

Latvia's first game of the men's worlds is May 16 against Switzerland. 

Murnieks posted a goal and five assists in seven games at the U18 worlds, a tournament that may have given his NHL Draft stock a boost, writes Daily Faceoff. 

FINAL BEGINS FRIDAY

The Gilles-Courteau Trophy final begins Friday night at Avenir Centre.

The Moncton Wildcats will try to become the first team since the 2011 and 2012 Saint John Sea Dogs to win back-to-back QMJHL championships. It won't be easy though as they'll be facing a Chicoutimi Sagueneens team that finished just one point behind them in the regular season standings.

Wildcats defenseman Max Vilen is the lone former Sea Dog playing in the series. Vilen, who is on Moncton's second defensive pairing, has two goals and six assists in 15 playoff games.

Game 1 is Friday followed by Game 2 on Saturday. The series shifts to Chicoutimi for Games 3 and 4 on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively. All games will air on TSN.

Notebook: Joseph nominated for another award

JaimeLee Gouthro/Cape Breton Eagles

MONCTON - Saint John Sea Dogs forward Alexis Joseph was named a finalist for the QMJHL's Sidney Crosby Trophy, which is awarded annually to the league's rookie of the year.

Moncton Wildcats defenseman Tommy Bleyl won the award. Victoriaville Tigres forward Egor Shilov was also nominated.

From the league's press release:

Joseph finished sixth in rookie scoring with 60 points (24 goals, 36 assists) in 54 games. Notably, he was the only 16-year-old player in the top six. In addition to 18 power-play points, he led all rookies with four shorthanded goals. The Sea Dogs’ second-leading scorer, Joseph will not be eligible for the NHL Draft until 2027.

Joseph was also nominated for the Michel-Bergeron Trophy, which is awarded annually to the offensive rookie of the year, and the Paul-Dumont Trophy, which is awarded to the personality of the year.

Bleyl, meanwhile, was also named the QMJHL's defenseman of the year.

LONGEST SEA DOGS GAME

How does the longest game in Sea Dogs history compare to Thursday's four overtime contest between the Moncton Wildcats and Blainville-Boisbriand Armada?

The Sea Dogs have never had a game go beyond double overtime – but they came very close twice during the 2011 President Cup final against the Gatineau Olympiques. Game 4 of that series is the longest in Sea Digs history, lasting 99:16 with Ryan Tesink scoring at 19:16 of the second overtime. The second longest is Game 6, which lasted 95:45 and ended at 15:45 of the second overtime with Alexandre Beauregard scoring the Cup clinching goal.

Saint John has only gone to double overtime four times in team history.

Thursday's game between the Wildcats and Armada was the fifth longest in league history.

Notebook: Five Sea Dogs make NHL Central Scouting final rankings

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Five Saint John Sea Dogs were listed in NHL Central Scouting's final rankings for the 2026 NHL Draft.

Olivers Murnieks, Cameron Chartrand, William Yared and Dylan Rozzi were all 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

Penn State forward Gavin McKenna was the top-ranked skater. Quebec Remparts forward Maddox Dagenais was the top-ranked skater from the QMJHL at No. 15.

Fredericton's Tynan Lawrence, the younger brother of former Sea Dogs forward Josh Lawrence, was ranked seventh.

The full rankings can be found here.

The 2026 NHL Draft takes place June 26-27.

JOSEPH NOMINATED

Sea Dogs forward Alexis Joseph was nominated for two QMJHL awards.

Joseph was nominated for the Michel-Bergeron Trophy, which is awarded annually to the offensive rookie of the year, and the Paul-Dumont Trophy, which is awarded to the personality of the year.

Victoriaville Tigres forward Egor Shilov won the Michel-Bergeron Trophy while Newfound Regiment president Glenn Stanford won the Paul-Dumont Trophy.

Jonathan Huberdeau won the Paul-Dumont Trophy in 2012 while Thomas Chabot won in 2017. No Sea Dog has ever won the Michel-Bergeron Trophy.

SUMMERSIDE ELIMINATED

The Summerside Western Capitals had their Maritime Junior Hockey League playoff run come to an end last week.

The Western Capitals fell 3-2 to the Truro Bearcats in Game 7 of the North Division final on Thursday in Summerside. The Bearcats advance to the MHL final where they'll face the Edmundston Blizzard.

Summerside is hosting this year's Centennial Cup national championship. Their first game is on May 7 against the Manitoba Junior Hockey League champions.

Former Sea Dogs defenseman Matthew MacLean had an assist in Game 7, giving him a goal and six helpers in 14 playoff games. Goaltender Justin Robinson only made one appearance, going 0-1.