Throughout the summer, the QMJHL will summarize the journey of its 20-year-old players. Today, those of the Saint John Sea Dogs: Matteo Mann and Nate Tivey.

Matteo Mann, defenceman

Mann spent the first three seasons of his junior career with the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, who drafted him in the third round in 2020 (40^th). The 6-foot-6, 234-pound giant was traded to the Sea Dogs in the summer of 2023 and had 14 points in 56 games this season, en route to a total of 44 points in 226 games. You understand that he’s more of a defensive defenceman. The son of Trent Mann and nephew of Troy Mann, longtime coaches, Matteo will join Colorado College next season, after being drafted in the seventh round (199^th overall) by the Philadelphia Flyers in 2023.

Nate Tivey, defenceman

A first-round pick of the Guelph Storm in 2021, Tivey was never able to make a name for himself in the OHL. The Sea Dogs convinced him to continue his career in Saint John in the summer of 2022 and in three seasons, he had 92 points (11-81) in 192 games. Only 12 defencemen have been more productive than him in Sea Dogs history. This season, the 6’5” and 204 lbs colossus has achieved a personal best with 40 points (5-35), which has caught the attention of Quinnipiac University, with whom he will play next year.

NB: Following the departure of goaltender Charles-Edward Gravel, the Sea Dogs finished the season with only two 20-year-old players.

Photos: Michael Hawkins