New Dogs Dazzle in Debut Win over Titan
March 9, 2021 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Saint John Sea Dogs News Release
It was a night of firsts in Bathurst as the Saint John Sea Dogs played their first game since November 18th, 2020 on Tuesday night at the K.C. Irving Regional Centre. After months of anticipation for fans and players alike, five new faces made their Sea Dogs debut: Ryan Francis, Vladislav Kotkov, Zachary Emond, Zachary Alchorn and Sam Dow. Calgary Flames prospect Ryan Francis wasted no time making an impact in the lineup as he scored a natural hat trick in the second period en route to a four goal performance in the Sea Dogs 5-3 win over the Titan. His line mate, San Jose Sharks prospect Vladislav Kotkov pitched in with a goal and three assists in his first game while Peter Reynolds centered the two wingers, adding three assists of his own.
Zachary Emond made his first start in goal for Saint John, settling in after a two goal first period to finish with 27 saves. Saint John were without forwards Liam Leonard, Simon Hughes and Carter McCluskey and defencemen Brandon Casey and Hunter Gartley.
Saint John was in trouble early after giving up a shorthanded goal midway through the opening period. To add insult to injury, Ben Allison scored again for the Titan after receiving a stretch pass while leaving the penalty box just seconds later.
The Sea Dogs came alive in the second period as Ryan Francis scored three straight goals for the natural hat trick and the 3-2 Saint John lead. Francis' first goal came just 23 seconds into the period with help from line mates Vladislav Kotkov and Peter Reynolds, who assisted on three of Francis' four goals. From that point on the team held the lead and controlled the play. With under a minute to play in the second period Kotkov was left alone in the slot and scored his first as a Sea Dog, unassisted.
Francis again connected early when he scored his fourth of the night just 53 seconds into the third period to give Saint John the 5-2 lead. His four goals ties a franchise record for most goals in a game, matching Bokondji Imama, Nathan Noel and Jonathan Huberdeau.
The Titan added a power play marker at 8:41 to cut the lead to 5-3 but Emond sealed the win with some key saves down the stretch.
Shots on goal were in favour of Saint John, 36-30.
Alpine 3 Stars
1 - Ryan Francis
2 - Peter Reynolds
3 - Mathieu Desgagnés
Saint John heads to Moncton on Saturday night to take on the Wildcats at 7PM before returning home on Sunday afternoon at 3PM to once again take on the Titan. Terrapure Bubble Packs are available for Sunday's game at the TD Station box office and online.
Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from March 9, 2021
- Casey Plays the Hero, Nets Four Points as Isles Defeat Moose in Return to Play - Charlottetown Islanders
- New Dogs Dazzle in Debut Win over Titan - Saint John Sea Dogs
- Videotron Team of the Week Announced for Week 16 - QMJHL
- Return to Play Begins Once Again for Isles and Moose - Charlottetown Islanders
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