Our 18 | THREE QUESTIONS ON THE SAINT JOHN SEA DOGS

• What does the next step look like in Saint John?

For the second straight year, it took every point but the Sea Dogs once again found themselves in the postseason. Now, it’s time to start turning these close calls into sure things. Up front, the centerpiece is Eriks Mateiko, the 6’6” Latvian who parlayed a nearly point per game rookie campaign into a selection by the Washington Capitals at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Tyler Peddle returns to provide a veteran presence, while sophomores Egan Beveridge and Coen Miller are expected to slot into more critical game situations. Two of the more high-profile prospects from the 2024 QMJHL Draft are getting ready to set up shop in the Port City. Center William Yared is widely considered one of the most complete players – as well as one of the deftest passers – to come out of this year’s class, while Dylan Rozzi’s game is best summed up in two words: explosive and exciting. Both are anticipated to provide support to what remains an up-and-coming group.

 

• Who’s going to take control defensively?

One of the top priorities in Saint John will no doubt be plugging up a defense that proved too leaky on too many evenings in 2023-24. While the forward group will feature its share of newcomers looking to find their place in the lineup, the blue line is largely defined by returning faces trying to take the next step in the development of team play without the puck. Matteo Mann, a 2023 Philadelphia Flyers draftee, should be the lynchpin of this group as he moved forward following an effective but injury-plagued season. Other familiar faces include veterans Nate Tivey and Nicholas Bilodeau. The last line of defense will be the latest in a long line of 20-year-old netminders who have called the Saint John crease home in recent years. A pre-season trade with Baie-Comeau has brought Charles-Edward Gravel to Southern New Brunswick, mere months after leading the Drakkar to a berth in the QMJHL Final.

 

• Who can give special teams a boost?

As this squad comes together in all three zones, a focus on special teams will be key. Only one team scored fewer goals on the power play and only one allowed more on the PK than these Dogs of last season. If the group mentioned above can develop as well as forecasted, their progression will naturally translate to stronger play in all situations. No doubt Head Coach Travis Crickard will be trying any number of new combinations at his disposal to improve in these departments as a means of maintaining in-game momentum, something that was difficult at times last year but could make a significant difference for a team striving for a bump in the standings this season.

 

 

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2023-2024 Stats:

Team Record	20-39-5-4 — 49 Pts
Division Ranking	6th Maritimes
Overall Ranking	16th
Goals For	185 (16th)
Goals Against	293 (14th)
PP (Overall)	17.1% (16th)
PK (Overall)	74.0% (15th)
Leading Rookie (PTS)	Miller (9-16-25)
Leading Scorers (PTS)	Fournier (27-25-52)
	Mateiko (23-20-43)
	Simek (18-20-38)
	Ianniello (5-29-34)
	Elliott (18-14-32)