Post by dogcatcher on Oct 4, 2007 7:01:30 GMT -4
PAYING THEIR Q DUES
QMJHL Pair of Saint John Sea Dogs play waiting game by working hard every day at practice
Andrew Mcgilligan
Telegraph-Journal
Published Thursday October 4th, 2007
Appeared on page B12
SAINT JOHN - It's not easy being a black ace.
The term refers to players on a hockey team who suit up for practices, but are often healthy scratches come game day. The Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League had three on their roster to begin the week with goaltender Troy Passingham, defenceman Scott McDonald and forward Nicolas Pard.
Now, the squad is down to two as Pard decided to leave the team earlier this week and play hockey for the Joliette Action of the Quebec Junior AAA Hockey League.
The remaining duo have no plans of jumping ship. Neither Passingham or McDonald have played in one of the Sea Dogs six regular-season games, but both knew playing time would be scarce this season.
"It's definitely hard," McDonald said of watching his teammates play as he sits in the stands.
"I know my role on the team this year and I'll just have to fight through it."
That role is serving as the seventh defenceman on a strong defensive squad. However, Saint John head coach and general manager Jacques Beaulieu said McDonald knew what he was getting into this season.
"He's waiting for his chance right now," the Sea Dogs bench boss said. "On the plus side, he's getting better by practicing everyday with major junior players."
For Passingham, he'll get a chance to play at the midway point of the year when his teammate - Swiss goalie Robert Mayer - will suit up for his country at the World Junior Hockey Championship.
That opens the door slightly for Passingham.
Beaulieu said the team knew this heading into the season.
"I've never carried three goalies before, but that's the situation we're in this year and next, so we have to do it," the Sea Dogs coach explained.
By keeping Passingham with the team, Beaulieu feels he'll be prepared when he's pressed into action.
"We feel by facing our shots on a daily basis, it will be better for him in the long run," he said.
The Mississauga, Ont. native goaltendersaid patience will be the key for him this year.
"I know I've got a few years left in this league, so I've got to wait for my chance and when it comes show then what I can do," the 17-year-old said.
As for development, both players insist this is the best place for them.
"I'm enjoying everything about it right now even though I haven't got into a game," McDonald said. "No matter what, I love coming to the rink, even if it's just for practice."
QMJHL Pair of Saint John Sea Dogs play waiting game by working hard every day at practice
Andrew Mcgilligan
Telegraph-Journal
Published Thursday October 4th, 2007
Appeared on page B12
SAINT JOHN - It's not easy being a black ace.
The term refers to players on a hockey team who suit up for practices, but are often healthy scratches come game day. The Saint John Sea Dogs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League had three on their roster to begin the week with goaltender Troy Passingham, defenceman Scott McDonald and forward Nicolas Pard.
Now, the squad is down to two as Pard decided to leave the team earlier this week and play hockey for the Joliette Action of the Quebec Junior AAA Hockey League.
The remaining duo have no plans of jumping ship. Neither Passingham or McDonald have played in one of the Sea Dogs six regular-season games, but both knew playing time would be scarce this season.
"It's definitely hard," McDonald said of watching his teammates play as he sits in the stands.
"I know my role on the team this year and I'll just have to fight through it."
That role is serving as the seventh defenceman on a strong defensive squad. However, Saint John head coach and general manager Jacques Beaulieu said McDonald knew what he was getting into this season.
"He's waiting for his chance right now," the Sea Dogs bench boss said. "On the plus side, he's getting better by practicing everyday with major junior players."
For Passingham, he'll get a chance to play at the midway point of the year when his teammate - Swiss goalie Robert Mayer - will suit up for his country at the World Junior Hockey Championship.
That opens the door slightly for Passingham.
Beaulieu said the team knew this heading into the season.
"I've never carried three goalies before, but that's the situation we're in this year and next, so we have to do it," the Sea Dogs coach explained.
By keeping Passingham with the team, Beaulieu feels he'll be prepared when he's pressed into action.
"We feel by facing our shots on a daily basis, it will be better for him in the long run," he said.
The Mississauga, Ont. native goaltendersaid patience will be the key for him this year.
"I know I've got a few years left in this league, so I've got to wait for my chance and when it comes show then what I can do," the 17-year-old said.
As for development, both players insist this is the best place for them.
"I'm enjoying everything about it right now even though I haven't got into a game," McDonald said. "No matter what, I love coming to the rink, even if it's just for practice."