THREE QUESTIONS ON THE SAINT JOHN SEA DOGS

• Is there enough firepower up front to break the streak?

Though the Sea Dogs can boast a Memorial Cup title from 2022, much of the franchise’s history since last winning a league title in 2017 has held more downs than ups. After missing the postseason last spring, the time to climb once again has come. The group assembled up front should move the needle offensively. This includes the top dog among forwards last year, Olivier Groulx. A trio of rookies from 2024-25, Zachary Morin, Dylan Rozzi and William Yared, return another year older and more experienced. Nathan Ethier and Angelo Fullerton, pre-season acquisitions from Shawinigan and Cape Breton, respectively, have had impressive training camps in the Port City. Many eyes will also be focused on Latvian center Olivers Murnieks, a highly rated prospect for the 2026 NHL Entry Draft, and Alexis Joseph, the top selection in last June’s QMJHL Entry Draft. Overall, this is a group that might lead the league in potential during the next few seasons.

• How will a revamped blue line fare?

The Sea Dogs have basically turned over the blue line twice since their Memorial Cup triumph. Now, they hope the second time’s the charm. Cameron Chartrand, most recently of Bishop Kearney School, where he was team captain, has reported for duty, complete with his strong skating and two-way game that makes him a top prospect for next year’s NHL Entry Draft. Also making his debut is Everett Baldwin, a blueliner with a few in-game similarities to Chartrand who heard his name called by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the fifth round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft. Patryk Zubek, originally from Poland, has been a stay-at-home mainstay on various Slovakian national teams the past few years. Highly competitive Max Vilen, a big body who can jump into the play, is expected to make his way from Sweden. The lone holdover from last year’s defense is Olivier Duhamel, a Saint John second-round selection from the 2023 QMJHL Draft.

• Do we know what to expect between the pipes?

Goaltending is a tossup, not to mention a pressing concern from last season. The veteran incumbent is Justin Robinson. The newcomer pushing for time in the crease is Rafael Courchesne. Both are still trying to get in a groove as the regular season looms. However, the group in front of them shows signs of improvement in virtually all areas, which could allow the goaltending situation to work itself out to some degree. What that situation looks like by the end of the season – a season in which the Dogs have made too many strides not to reappear in the postseason, possibly with a marked improvement in the standings if everything falls into place – could be anyone’s guess. It’s safe to assume, however, that this year’s Sea Dogs squad will likely go as far as the blocker and trapper will allow them to.

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2024-2025 Stats: