QMJHL Saint John Sea Dogs

Sea Dogs Set for Explosive Second Half: Return Preview 2020-21

Published on March 8, 2021 under Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Saint John Sea Dogs News Release


After almost four months, Sea Dogs hockey is returning to TD Station. The team has seen some big changes to the roster since the last time they played, including the addition of three NHL prospects.

Vladislav Kotkov, a goal-scoring forward, was acquired in a trade with Chicoutimi in the 2020 preseason. Signing with the San Jose Sharks in 2018, Kotkov spent a month with their AHL affiliate before finally joining the Sea Dogs one month ago. Kotkov put up 46 points in 51 games with the Saguenéens in the 2019-20 season.

Another San Jose Sharks pick, goaltender Zachary Emond, was also added to the team. The 20-year-old netminder brings a lot of experience as a winner of both the President Cup and Memorial Cup. In 116 games, he has won 63 and posted a .908 save percentage.

Ryan Francis, a fifth-round pick for the Calgary Flames, was acquired in a trade from the Cape Breton Eagles. An offensive threat, Francis scored 72 points in 61 games in the 2019-20 season and leading all Eagles in assists. He started this season strong, scoring 21 points in 15 games with the Cape Breton Eagles before being traded, making him the new points leader for Saint John. Forward Brady Burns and defenceman Jéremie Poirier follow closely behind with 16 points each.

The Sea Dogs will become well acquainted with their New Brunswick rivals in the upcoming weeks, scheduled to play Moncton and Bathurst four times each in the month of March, beginning tomorrow night, Tuesday March 9th on the road against Bathurst.

The Titan are currently in 5th place, with a 9-4-1-1 record. Saint John has met Bathurst three times this season leaving them with a head-to-head record of 1-1-1-0 against their maritime rival. Titan captain Mathieu Desgagnes leads the team with 23 points in 13 games this season, followed closely by Felix-Antoine Marcotty with 20 points in 15 games.

On March 13th, the Sea Dogs will face off against the Wildcats in Moncton. The Cats are currently in 13th place with a 6-7-0-0 record. Moncton's roster has seen some changes since the last time the two teams met, trading away co-captain Gabriel Fortier and assistant captain Jordan Spence in exchange for draft picks. Forward Phillipe Daoust and rookie Vincent Labelle lead the Wildcats with 13 points each this season.

Saint John and Moncton have met four times this season, with their head-to-head record tied at two wins a piece. The last time Saint John and Moncton faced-off was November 13th when a six goal second period lifted the Sea Dogs past the Wildcats in a high scoring 9-4 victory.

The Sea Dogs will return to Saint John for their first home game of the month on Sunday, March 14 at 3 PM, facing off against the Titan for the second time in a week. Fans can use their tickets from November 28th, 2020 for the game on March 14th, 2021. Terrapure Bubble Packs for Sunday and future home games are available at the TD Station box office and online.

Fans can tune in to Tuesday's game and every game this season on Sea Dogs Radio Presented By TD on CFBC 930AM.

Check out the Saint John Sea Dogs Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from March 8, 2021


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.

OurSports Central