Post by dogcatcher on Jan 4, 2008 7:25:41 GMT -4
Veteran Sea Dogs savour ranking
Andrew McGilligan
Telegraph-Journal
Published Friday January 4th, 2008
Appeared on page B8
ST. JOHN'S, NL - If people weren't already aware, then Thursday's Canadian Hockey League Top 10 rankings let the secret out.
The Saint John Sea Dogs are not only one of the best teams in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey, but among the top junior teams in Canada.
The CHL released its ranking of the top junior clubs in the nation and for the first time in franchise history the Sea Dogs cracked the list at No. 10.
"I knew we'd be good this year, but that's pretty special being recognized as a top 10 team in all of Canada," said team captain Alex Grant.
The Sea Dogs achieved the ranking thanks to a solid first half and three straight wins to start the second half of the season. The post-holiday win streak vaulted Saint John into first place in the Eastern Division and into a tie for third overall in the QMJHL before play began on Thursday.
Two other QMJHL teams made the list with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in the seventh spot and the Gatineau Olympiques one slot ahead in sixth.
While the ranking is special for all of the Saint John players, it means a little more to Ryan Sparling, Brett Gallant and Grant who've been with the organization since its inception.
"It's definitely a big difference from the last two year when we were in the bottom 10," Gallant said.
"We've been here since day one and all the good things that happen in the organization are a little more special for us," Grant said. "We've been through the tough times so all the bonuses now are a great plus."
Gallant said the whole organization deserves credit for the accomplishment - especially the coaching staff and the front office.
"They've done a lot of work for the team and it's good to see it paying off."
With the ranking comes extra attention and Grant said the team is aware of the expectations that come with it.
"A lot of the guys are excited about it, but it comes with a little extra pressure," he said. "We don't want to disappoint, but keep moving up in the rankings.
"Hopefully we can have a big weekend here and come out of it even stronger."
The Sea Dogs are in the midst of a three-game set in St. John's against the Fog Devils.
RETURN: The Sea Dogs expect to have forward Steven Anthony and Simon Despres back in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Fog Devils. The pair were playing in the 2008 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in London, Ont. with Team Atlantic (Anthony) and Team Quebec (Despres). Goaltender Robert Mayer is expected back next week after backstopping Switzerland at the 2008 World Junior Championship in the Czech Republic.
Andrew McGilligan
Telegraph-Journal
Published Friday January 4th, 2008
Appeared on page B8
ST. JOHN'S, NL - If people weren't already aware, then Thursday's Canadian Hockey League Top 10 rankings let the secret out.
The Saint John Sea Dogs are not only one of the best teams in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey, but among the top junior teams in Canada.
The CHL released its ranking of the top junior clubs in the nation and for the first time in franchise history the Sea Dogs cracked the list at No. 10.
"I knew we'd be good this year, but that's pretty special being recognized as a top 10 team in all of Canada," said team captain Alex Grant.
The Sea Dogs achieved the ranking thanks to a solid first half and three straight wins to start the second half of the season. The post-holiday win streak vaulted Saint John into first place in the Eastern Division and into a tie for third overall in the QMJHL before play began on Thursday.
Two other QMJHL teams made the list with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in the seventh spot and the Gatineau Olympiques one slot ahead in sixth.
While the ranking is special for all of the Saint John players, it means a little more to Ryan Sparling, Brett Gallant and Grant who've been with the organization since its inception.
"It's definitely a big difference from the last two year when we were in the bottom 10," Gallant said.
"We've been here since day one and all the good things that happen in the organization are a little more special for us," Grant said. "We've been through the tough times so all the bonuses now are a great plus."
Gallant said the whole organization deserves credit for the accomplishment - especially the coaching staff and the front office.
"They've done a lot of work for the team and it's good to see it paying off."
With the ranking comes extra attention and Grant said the team is aware of the expectations that come with it.
"A lot of the guys are excited about it, but it comes with a little extra pressure," he said. "We don't want to disappoint, but keep moving up in the rankings.
"Hopefully we can have a big weekend here and come out of it even stronger."
The Sea Dogs are in the midst of a three-game set in St. John's against the Fog Devils.
RETURN: The Sea Dogs expect to have forward Steven Anthony and Simon Despres back in the lineup for Saturday's game against the Fog Devils. The pair were playing in the 2008 World Under-17 Hockey Challenge in London, Ont. with Team Atlantic (Anthony) and Team Quebec (Despres). Goaltender Robert Mayer is expected back next week after backstopping Switzerland at the 2008 World Junior Championship in the Czech Republic.