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 Saint John Sea Dogs

Look Who's Coming to Training Camp

July 16, 2014 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Saint John Sea Dogs News Release


SAINT JOHN - The Saint John Sea Dogs are excited to announce two invitations to the team's training camp from the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL).

General Manager Darrell Young announced today right winger Drew Gross and defenceman Jack Van Boekel will compete for roster spots when camp opens in early August.

Gross, 18, is 6'0", 185 lbs. The Millbank, Ontario, native played for the Stratford Cullitons last season, registering 13 goals and 24 points in 46 games. He added another three goals and four points in 15 playoff games. Six of his sixteen goals were scored on the power play or penalty kill.

"Ottawa-area scout Mathieu Bougie and I went to a playoff game in Stratford to watch a certain player, and we came away believing that Drew was the best prospect on the ice," Young said. "We like his speed and puck pursuit ability, and how he gets there on the forecheck. "We believe he is a player that is just starting to develop into the type of player he can be.

"He was strong on the penalty kill, and we liked the fact that the coaches trusted him to play him during critical times in the game and in crucial situations. We see Drew challenging for a spot on our third line for this upcoming season."

Defenceman Jack Van Boekel, also 18, spent last season with the Strathroy Rockets, posting one goal, eleven points and 123 penalty minutes in 39 games.

Listed at 6'7", 205 lbs., the native of Woodstock, Ontario was selected in the 15th round (287th overall) by the Ontario Hockey League's Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds in the 2012 OHL Priority Selection.

"Jack brings a physical presence to our defence, and his 340-plus penalty minutes over the past two years are an indication of how he plays the game," Young said. "We wanted to address our overall team toughness, and whether Jack plays defence or left wing remains to be seen.

"He is a competitive kid who has been training hard since March to make our team. He skates well for a big man and he has pretty good hockey sense. He knows his role and what he has to do to be successful."

More information about free agent invitations will be made available in the coming weeks.

Season tickets are on sale now at the Harbour Station box office and the Sea Dogs' office on the pedway level of Harbour Station. Season ticket holders can SAVE up to $170 on their seats when compared with single-game box office prices.


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Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from July 16, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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