Saint John Sea Dogs - Feed

Sea Dogs select Čančík, Ozogany, Svensk in 2026 CHL Import Draft

Tristan Day — Tue, 30 Jun 2026 20:15:51 +0000

SAINT JOHN, N.B. – The Saint John Sea Dogs made three selections in the 2026 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft on Tuesday. Seventeen-year-old Czech forward Matyáš Čančík was the team's first selection, 14th overall. The five-foot-nine, 172-pound winger recorded 44 points (22 goals, 22 assists) in 23 games with Bílí Tygři Liberec's U17 team and added eight points (one goal, seven assists) in 12 games with the club's U20 team. Čančík also represented Czechia at the 2025 U17 World Challenge in Truro, N.S., where he recorded two points (one goal, one assist) in four games. With their second pick in the first round, 44th overall, the Sea Dogs selected Slovak forward Oliver Ozogany. The six-foot-three, 190-pound left winger spent this past season with the Tri-City Storm of the United States Hockey League, recording 17 points (nine goals, eight assists) in 56 games. Ozogany also represented Slovakia at the 2026 IIHF U18 Men's World Championship as a 16-year-old, recording one point in five games. Finnish defenceman and Los Angeles Kings prospect Vertti Svensk was the Sea Dogs' second-round selection, 66th overall. The six-foot-one, 168-pound defenceman recorded 31 points (three goals, 28 assists) in 33 games with SaiPa's U20 team. The 18-year-old also appeared in 18 games with SaiPa of Liiga, Finland's top professional league. Svensk was selected by the Kings in the fifth round of the 2026 NHL Draft.

—

For the latest Sea Dogs news, follow the team on Facebook (Facebook.com/sjseadogs), Twitter (@SJSeaDogs), and Instagram (@SJSeaDogs).

QMJHL releases 2026-27 regular season schedule

Tristan Day — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 13:57:03 +0000

SAINT JOHN, N.B. – The Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League has released its 2026-27 regular season schedule, including all 64 Saint John Sea Dogs games. The Sea Dogs will open the 2026-27 campaign with a two-game road trip against the Newfoundland Regiment on September 18 and 19 before returning home for their Home Opener on Friday, September 25 at 7:00 p.m. against the Moncton Wildcats at TD Station. Of the Sea Dogs’ 32 home games during the 2026-27 regular season, 21 will be played on weekends, with three additional games scheduled on holidays: Thanksgiving Monday, New Year’s Eve, and Family Day. New this season, Saturday home games will start at 4:00 p.m. The complete QMJHL regular season schedule features 576 games and will run from September 18, 2026 through March 20, 2027. As in previous seasons, the majority of games will be played on weekends and during holiday periods to maximize accessibility for fans and families. The complete Sea Dogs regular season schedule can be found here. Download a printable PDF version of the schedule here.

—

For the latest Sea Dogs news, follow the team on Facebook (Facebook.com/sjseadogs), Twitter (@SJSeaDogs), and Instagram (@SJSeaDogs).

Sea Dogs hire Guy Girouard as assistant coach

Tristan Day — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 16:13:52 +0000

SAINT JOHN, N.B. – The Saint John Sea Dogs have hired Guy Girouard as an assistant coach, the team announced Monday. “Guy has worked alongside Jim for a long time and has been an important part of the success they've had together,” said Sea Dogs president and general manager Trevor Georgie. “Their experience working together will allow them to hit the ground running here in Saint John. As a former professional defenceman, Guy has done exceptional work developing defencemen over the years. He has helped many players move on to professional hockey and reach their potential. We are excited to welcome Guy to the Sea Dogs. He will have a tremendous impact on our players and organization as we pursue our next championship.” Girouard brings extensive QMJHL experience to Saint John, having spent the past 10 seasons with the Charlottetown Islanders as associate coach alongside new Sea Dogs head coach Jim Hulton. Before joining the Islanders, Girouard spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the University of Ottawa men’s hockey program and five seasons as a head coach with the Canadian International Hockey Academy. "I look forward to getting going and I am extremely fortunate for the opportunity to work towards a championship with such a storied franchise," said Girouard. "My friendship with Jim runs deep and I look forward to continuing our journey together in Saint John." In addition to coaching, Girouard had a successful 17-year playing career in the OHL, CIS, the Central Hockey League, and in Germany.

—

For the latest Sea Dogs news, follow the team on Facebook (Facebook.com/sjseadogs), Twitter (@SJSeaDogs), and Instagram (@SJSeaDogs).

Jim Hulton named 13th head coach in Sea Dogs history

Tristan Day — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 14:15:15 +0000

SAINT JOHN, N.B. – The Saint John Sea Dogs have named Jim Hulton the 13th head coach in franchise history, the team announced Monday. “We are thrilled to welcome Jim to the Saint John Sea Dogs,” said Sea Dogs president and general manager Trevor Georgie. “Jim and I entered the QMJHL in the same season, and over the years we’ve had a front-row seat to the work ethic and competitiveness of his teams. Year after year, his teams compete hard and his players exceed expectations. He is demanding and prepares young men for what it takes to play professional hockey through a culture built on accountability." "Beyond his experience, Jim is a true professional and a great person," added Georgie. "He shares our vision for the future of the Sea Dogs, and he wants to win just as badly as all of us do. We’re excited to welcome Jim and his family to Saint John and begin this next chapter together.” Hulton joins the Sea Dogs with more than 30 years of coaching experience, including two seasons as an assistant coach with the NHL’s Florida Panthers from 2008 to 2010. Originally from Kingston, Ont., Hulton spent the last 11 seasons with the Charlottetown Islanders, compiling a 426-356 record. He has coached in the final four three times and in the QMJHL finals once in 2022. "I'm honoured and incredibly privileged to become the new head coach of the Saint John Sea Dogs," said Hulton. "I'm thrilled at the opportunity to add to the legacy that this franchise has and I look forward to a great future in Saint John." A two-time QMJHL coach of the year and recipient of the CHL’s Brian Kilrea Coach of the Year Award in 2022, Hulton ranks 14th all-time in QMJHL history with 380 regular-season wins. He is the fifth-fastest coach to reach 300 wins in the QMJHL, accomplishing the feat in 513 games. On the international stage, Hulton has been part of Canada’s national junior team coaching staff at three IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships (2004, 2005 and 2019), winning a silver medal in 2004 and a gold medal in 2005.

—

For the latest Sea Dogs news, follow the team on Facebook (Facebook.com/sjseadogs), Twitter (@SJSeaDogs), and Instagram (@SJSeaDogs).

Sea Dogs add 10 prospects at 2026 QMJHL Draft

Tristan Day — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:47:39 +0000

HALIFAX, N.S. – The Saint John Sea Dogs made 10 selections at the 2026 QMJHL Draft this weekend in Halifax. The team chose five forwards, three defencemen and two goaltenders. In the first round, after a series of transactions, the Sea Dogs selected defenceman Lawrence Williams with the 14th overall pick. The Pictou County, N.S., native recorded 38 points (10 goals, 28 assists) in 32 games with the Pictou County Weeks U18 of the Nova Scotia Under-18 Hockey League this season and was ranked ninth by QMJHL Central Scouting. The six-foot-one blueliner contributed seven points (one goal, six assists) in 14 playoff games and finished tied for the team lead in scoring among defencemen. https://x.com/QMJHL/status/2062941221379572227 Saint-Hubert, Que., native Nathan Riendeau was the Sea Dogs' second-round selection, 31st overall. The five-foot-seven, 163-pound right-winger spent last season with the Collège Charles-Lemoyne Riverains in the Quebec Under-18 AAA Hockey League, where he totalled 41 points (18 goals, 23 assists) in 42 games. Riendeau carried that offensive success into the 2026 QMJHL Cup, leading the tournament with five points (three goals, two assists) in four games. Forward Carter Odell joined the Sea Dogs in the sixth round, 91st overall. The Hubbards, N.S., product was ranked 71st overall by QMJHL Central Scouting after posting 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists) in 32 games with the Halifax McDonald's. https://x.com/HockeyNS/status/2063290595964027027 Saint John made two selections in the seventh round, adding goaltender Will Torres and defenceman Brodie Anderson with the 113th and 116th picks. Torres posted a .913 save percentage in 26 games with The Rivers School and earned a top-20 ranking among American-born players in the QMJHL Central Scouting rankings. Anderson, the son of Sea Dogs U.S. regional scout Mike Anderson, had 12 points (three goals, nine assists) last season with Cushing Academy. The Sea Dogs added another goaltender in the ninth round, taking Philippe Harvey 149th overall. The Hébertville, Que., native posted a 2.56 goals-against average in 15 games this season with the Sag-Lac Espoirs. One pick later, Saint John added Brock Lyons, a right-winger from Quispamsis. Lyons recorded 53 points (25 goals, 28 assists) in 36 games with the Saint John Vito's. He led the Vito's in scoring and finished second in goals. https://x.com/RickyJF/status/2063290811974881656 Justin Hamel was the team's 11th-round pick, 185th overall. The five-foot-10, 165-pound defenceman had 13 points in 41 games with the Saint-Hyacinthe Gaulois this past season. With their final two picks of the draft, the Sea Dogs selected forwards Zach Labelle and Thomas Bond, 203rd and 210th overall, respectively. Labelle totalled 27 points (11 goals, 16 assists) in 22 games with the Outaouais Intrépide, while Bond had five points in 39 games with the Jonquière Élites.

—

For the latest Sea Dogs news, follow the team on Facebook (Facebook.com/sjseadogs), Twitter (@SJSeaDogs), and Instagram (@SJSeaDogs).

Sea Dogs announce 2026 preseason schedule

Tristan Day — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 19:17:42 +0000

SAINT JOHN, N.B. – The Saint John Sea Dogs will play five preseason games ahead of the 2026-27 Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League season, the team announced Tuesday. Saint John opens its exhibition schedule on Wednesday, Aug. 26 against the Moncton Wildcats at the Garcelon Civic Centre in St. Stephen. Puck drop is set for 7:00 p.m. The Sea Dogs will also host the Rimouski Océanic on Sunday, Aug. 30 at the AYR Motor Centre in Woodstock. The game begins at 4:00 p.m. Preseason hockey returns to TD Station on Friday, Sept. 4 as the Sea Dogs take on the Halifax Mooseheads at 7:00 p.m. In addition to the three home games, Saint John will travel to face the Moncton Wildcats on Aug. 28 at a location to be announced and the Halifax Mooseheads on Sept. 11 at the RBC Centre in Dartmouth, N.S., to complete its preseason schedule. Ticket information for preseason games will be announced at a later date.

Date	Opponent	Time	Location
Aug. 26	vs. Moncton Wildcats	7:00 p.m.	Garcelon Civic Centre, St. Stephen, N.B.
Aug. 28	at Moncton Wildcats	7:00 p.m.	Location TBA
Aug. 30	vs. Rimouski Océanic	4:00 p.m.	AYR Motor Centre, Woodstock, N.B.
Sept. 4	vs. Halifax Mooseheads	7:00 p.m.	TD Station, Saint John, N.B.
Sept. 11	at Halifax Mooseheads	7:00 p.m.	RBC Centre, Dartmouth, N.S.

—

For the latest Sea Dogs news, follow the team on Facebook (Facebook.com/sjseadogs), Twitter (@SJSeaDogs), and Instagram (@SJSeaDogs).

TRADE: Sea Dogs acquire Charbonneau, Howard from Quebec

Tristan Day — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 13:08:51 +0000

SAINT JOHN, N.B. – The Saint John Sea Dogs acquired defenceman Thomas Charbonneau, forward Ryan Howard and the 31st overall pick in the 2026 QMJHL Draft from the Quebec Remparts, the team announced Friday night. In exchange, Quebec received the 14th overall pick in the 2026 draft. Charbonneau, 17, was selected fourth overall by the Remparts in the 2025 QMJHL Draft after recording 50 points (11 goals, 39 assists) in 61 games with Shattuck-St. Mary's 15U team. The six-foot-two, 168-pound defenceman from Laval, Que., appeared in 48 games with Quebec this season, registering 11 points (two goals, nine assists). He also represented Canada at the 2025 U17 World Challenge. Howard, a former 22nd overall pick, recorded 20 points (nine goals, 11 assists) in 62 games during the 2025-26 season and added two assists in eight playoff games. The six-foot-one, 199-pound forward brings a physical style of play and has built a reputation as a tough player to play against.

—

For the latest Sea Dogs news, follow the team on Facebook (Facebook.com/sjseadogs), Twitter (@SJSeaDogs), and Instagram (@SJSeaDogs).

Sea Dogs make series of first-round trades, land top Atlantic prospect

Tristan Day — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 11:31:30 +0000

SAINT JOHN, N.B. – The Saint John Sea Dogs made plenty of noise during the first round of the 2026 Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League draft Friday night. Entering the draft, Saint John owned the fifth overall pick but traded it to the Victoriaville Tigres for two first-round selections, 14th and 17th overall. The Sea Dogs later dealt the 14th pick to the Quebec Remparts in exchange for defenceman Thomas Charbonneau, forward Ryan Howard and the 31st overall pick. After the 14th overall selection was traded from Quebec to Chicoutimi and then from Chicoutimi to Baie-Comeau, the Sea Dogs reacquired the pick from the Drakkar, along with sixth- and seventh-round selections, in exchange for the 17th overall pick, a second-round pick, a sixth-round pick and an eighth-round pick. Saint John used the selection to choose defenceman Lawrence Williams of the Pictou County Weeks U18 program, the top-ranked Atlantic Canadian prospect. Williams was ranked No. 9 by QMJHL Central Scouting after recording 38 points (10 goals, 28 assists) in 32 games this season. Day 2 of the 2026 draft gets underway Saturday at 10 a.m., with the Sea Dogs scheduled to pick 31st overall.

—

For the latest Sea Dogs news, follow the team on Facebook (Facebook.com/sjseadogs), Twitter (@SJSeaDogs), and Instagram (@SJSeaDogs).

TRADE: Sea Dogs acquire three draft picks from Val-d’Or for Héroux

Tristan Day — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:33:07 +0000

SAINT JOHN, N.B. – The Saint John Sea Dogs have acquired a 2027 first-round pick (Chicoutimi) and two 2028 second-round picks from the Val-d'Or Foreurs in exchange for forward Nolann Héroux, the team announced Thursday. “Nolann is a good player, and he was looking for a greater opportunity. We wanted to accommodate him in that,” said Sea Dogs president and general manager Trevor Georgie. “For us, this transaction was about maximizing value for the future. Chicoutimi's first-round pick in 2027 was a critical asset, and adding two second-round picks gives us significant flexibility moving forward. Turning one player into three high-value assets puts us in a strong position moving forward.” Héroux, 17, was a first-round pick of the Sea Dogs in the 2025 QMJHL Draft and played 39 games during the 2025-26 season, recording 13 points (three goals, 10 assists). Originally from Montreal, Que., Héroux also recorded 33 points (15 goals, 18 assists) in 26 games with the Saint-Eustache Vikings of the Quebec Under-18 AAA Hockey League. Following the trade, Saint John now owns three first-round selections in the 2027 QMJHL Draft; their own as well as the picks originally belonging to Chicoutimi and Rimouski.

—

For the latest Sea Dogs news, follow the team on Facebook (Facebook.com/sjseadogs), Twitter (@SJSeaDogs), and Instagram (@SJSeaDogs).

TRADE: Sea Dogs acquire Buffalo Sabres prospect Samuel Meloche

Tristan Day — Tue, 02 Jun 2026 15:02:59 +0000

SAINT JOHN, N.B. – The Saint John Sea Dogs have acquired veteran goaltender and Buffalo Sabres prospect Samuel Meloche and a 2026 second-round pick from the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, the team announced Tuesday. In return, the Huskies receive a 2026 first-round pick (Blainville-Boisbriand), 2026 second-round pick (Drummondville), 2027 second-round pick (Charlottetown), 2027 third-round pick (Rouyn-Noranda), 2028 sixth-round pick (Blainville-Boisbriand) and prospect Cole Renaud. “Sam brings a tremendous amount of experience to our group,” said Sea Dogs president and general manager Trevor Georgie. “Over the past two seasons, he has appeared in 30 playoff games and has consistently raised his level of play when the stakes are highest. He’s proven he can perform under pressure and is driven to compete for a championship. He’ll enter next season as one of the most experienced goaltenders in the league.” Originally from Les Cèdres, Quebec, Meloche was a fourth-round pick of the Sabres in the 2025 NHL Draft. The six-foot-three, 199-pound netminder played 50 games for the Huskies this season going 33-13-3 with a .897 save-percentage and a 2.75 goals-against-average. "I am really excited for this new adventure," said Meloche. "I want to win and look forward to doing my part to help the team." In the 2026 postseason, Meloche tied for the league-lead with three shutouts along with a .905 save-percentage and a 2.52 goals-against-average, the third-best in the QMJHL, while leading Rouyn-Noranda to the semifinals of the 2026 Gilles-Courteau Trophy playoffs.

—

For the latest Sea Dogs news, follow the team on Facebook (Facebook.com/sjseadogs), Twitter (@SJSeaDogs), and Instagram (@SJSeaDogs).