Post by dogcatcher on Dec 1, 2007 8:12:02 GMT -4
SEEKING REDEMPTION
QMJHL: Saint John entertains Halifax tonight at 7 p.m. and P.E.I. Sunday at 4 p.m. at Harbour Station
Andrew Mcgilligan
Telegraph-Journal
Published Saturday December 1st, 2007
Appeared on page C12
SAINT JOHN - The last time the Saint John Sea Dogs faced the Halifax Mooseheads in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action they had control of the game against the top team in the league.
That was until the final 10 minutes of the third period in what turned into a 6-5 overtime win for Halifax at Harbour Station.
The two teams will play again tonight in a 7 p.m. start at Harbour Station.
The subject of the OT loss still gets a reaction from Saint John head coach and general manager Jacques Beaulieu. For 50 minutes, the Sea Dogs kept the high-scoring Mooseheads offence at bay until a phantom goal was scored by Halifax star Jakub Voracek.
"We were in full control of the game until they counted that goal," Beaulieu said. "We were in control and they just made a bad decision upstairs."
Review replays show the marker in question was slid under the side of the net as the goal was lifted off the ice during a scramble in front. The play was reviewed, but ultimately counted. A few minutes later, the Mooseheads tied the game and went on to win in overtime. While the loss still smarts, Sea Dogs forward Francois Gauthier said the team has impose their game on Halifax and not get caught in a high-scoring affair.
"We need to play our system and do it right from the drop of the puck," he said. "Get them playing our game."
So what is the Sea Dogs style? Solid defensive hockey and a strong forecheck according to captain Alex Grant.
"They've got a pretty potent offence, so we've got to think defence first," Grant said. "When we get our chances we've got to work their defence down low."
Grant was a big factor in Saint John limiting Halifax's chances in their last outing. The Antigonish, Nova Scotia product was given the task of shutting down Voracek. He succeeded in doing so - apart from the phantom goal.
Beaulieu said Grant did several things well against the Czech Republic forward.
"You've got to make sure your gaps are really good against Voracek because he's got really good speed and you've to stay on the defensive side of him," the bench boss said. "You've got to keep him in front of you because if he's behind you, you're in trouble."
While the Sea Dogs are busy preparing for the Mooseheads tonight, they'll also host the Prince Edward Island Rocket on Sunday at 4 p.m.
The Rocket sit in last place in the Eastern division and the game could be seen as a trap for Saint John after hosting the QMJHL-leading Mooseheads. However, Sea Dogs players and coaches said they won't be taking P.E.I. lightly.
"We need to be focused because P.E.I. is playing really good right now," Gauthier said. "They just beat Cape Breton, so we have to be ready and try to impose our tempo on them."
Beaulieu said he'll be at Harbour Station early Sunday making sure the game plan is ready.
"You can't take anybody lightly in this league," he said. "They're all good teams and capable of beating anyone on any night."
EVENT: Sea Dogs goalie days will be held for local netminders on Dec. 29 and 30 at Harbour Station. For $65 players will get a one-hour goaltending clinic, a Sea Dogs goalie jersey and two tickets to a game. For more information contact Trisha Erb at 632-9260.
QMJHL: Saint John entertains Halifax tonight at 7 p.m. and P.E.I. Sunday at 4 p.m. at Harbour Station
Andrew Mcgilligan
Telegraph-Journal
Published Saturday December 1st, 2007
Appeared on page C12
SAINT JOHN - The last time the Saint John Sea Dogs faced the Halifax Mooseheads in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action they had control of the game against the top team in the league.
That was until the final 10 minutes of the third period in what turned into a 6-5 overtime win for Halifax at Harbour Station.
The two teams will play again tonight in a 7 p.m. start at Harbour Station.
The subject of the OT loss still gets a reaction from Saint John head coach and general manager Jacques Beaulieu. For 50 minutes, the Sea Dogs kept the high-scoring Mooseheads offence at bay until a phantom goal was scored by Halifax star Jakub Voracek.
"We were in full control of the game until they counted that goal," Beaulieu said. "We were in control and they just made a bad decision upstairs."
Review replays show the marker in question was slid under the side of the net as the goal was lifted off the ice during a scramble in front. The play was reviewed, but ultimately counted. A few minutes later, the Mooseheads tied the game and went on to win in overtime. While the loss still smarts, Sea Dogs forward Francois Gauthier said the team has impose their game on Halifax and not get caught in a high-scoring affair.
"We need to play our system and do it right from the drop of the puck," he said. "Get them playing our game."
So what is the Sea Dogs style? Solid defensive hockey and a strong forecheck according to captain Alex Grant.
"They've got a pretty potent offence, so we've got to think defence first," Grant said. "When we get our chances we've got to work their defence down low."
Grant was a big factor in Saint John limiting Halifax's chances in their last outing. The Antigonish, Nova Scotia product was given the task of shutting down Voracek. He succeeded in doing so - apart from the phantom goal.
Beaulieu said Grant did several things well against the Czech Republic forward.
"You've got to make sure your gaps are really good against Voracek because he's got really good speed and you've to stay on the defensive side of him," the bench boss said. "You've got to keep him in front of you because if he's behind you, you're in trouble."
While the Sea Dogs are busy preparing for the Mooseheads tonight, they'll also host the Prince Edward Island Rocket on Sunday at 4 p.m.
The Rocket sit in last place in the Eastern division and the game could be seen as a trap for Saint John after hosting the QMJHL-leading Mooseheads. However, Sea Dogs players and coaches said they won't be taking P.E.I. lightly.
"We need to be focused because P.E.I. is playing really good right now," Gauthier said. "They just beat Cape Breton, so we have to be ready and try to impose our tempo on them."
Beaulieu said he'll be at Harbour Station early Sunday making sure the game plan is ready.
"You can't take anybody lightly in this league," he said. "They're all good teams and capable of beating anyone on any night."
EVENT: Sea Dogs goalie days will be held for local netminders on Dec. 29 and 30 at Harbour Station. For $65 players will get a one-hour goaltending clinic, a Sea Dogs goalie jersey and two tickets to a game. For more information contact Trisha Erb at 632-9260.