Post by dogcatcher on Sept 12, 2007 6:02:25 GMT -4
Sea Dogs bolstered by returnees
QMJHL Four players who attended NHL camps will be available for opener on Thursday
Andrew Mcgilligan
Telegraph-Journal
Published Wednesday September 12th, 2007
Appeared on page B8
SAINT JOHN - If Saint John Sea Dogs captain Alex Grant is standing in a pair of jeans watching practice, it's not a good sign.
Under usual circumstances it would mean he's injured or suspended.
However, the mere sight of Grant was a welcome one Tuesday for both coaches and players. There was some doubt if Grant would be with the Sea Dogs when they open the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League season Thursday in Lewiston against the Maineiacs.
Grant, a Pittsburgh Penguins prospect, was one of four players who missed the final three pre-season games to attend National Hockey League rookie training camps. The other three players are Chris Di Domenico (Toronto Maple Leafs), Brett Gallant (Ottawa Senators) and David Stich (Dallas Stars).
However, much to the delight of Saint John head coach and general manager Jacques Beaulieu, all four will be ready to go for the season opener.
"It's huge pressure off me," Beaulieu said.
That means the Sea Dogs will start the season at full strength with their top scorer from last season (Di Domenico), captain (Grant), tough guy (Gallant) and rugged rearguard (Stich).
Grant was the only one of the four at practice on Tuesday, arriving in Saint John early in the morning from the NHL rookie tournament in Kitchener, Ont.
The third-year blue-liner made the most of his time with the Penguins, scoring three goals and adding two assists, including a game-winner.
"It was an unbelievable experience to play at the NHL level with older and stronger guys," he said. "The pace was a lot faster and it was definitely an eye-opener."
Grant said he was a little disappointed he didn't get invited to the Penguins' main training camp alongside the likes of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, but according to Beaulieu he wasn't far off.
The Sea Dogs bench boss spoke with Penguins director of amateur scouting, Jay Heinbuck, who said the team considered bringing Grant to the main camp based on his performance.
Grant said he spoke with the general manager, coaches and scouts after the decision and they had a lot of encouraging words for him.
"They were pleased and happy with what they saw," he said. "They said I set the bar really high and they want me to follow up and continue what I'm doing," he said.
Beaulieu said he likes the effect the pro experience had on his captain.
"He had a good camp, played well and his confidence is high right now," Beaulieu said.
QMJHL Four players who attended NHL camps will be available for opener on Thursday
Andrew Mcgilligan
Telegraph-Journal
Published Wednesday September 12th, 2007
Appeared on page B8
SAINT JOHN - If Saint John Sea Dogs captain Alex Grant is standing in a pair of jeans watching practice, it's not a good sign.
Under usual circumstances it would mean he's injured or suspended.
However, the mere sight of Grant was a welcome one Tuesday for both coaches and players. There was some doubt if Grant would be with the Sea Dogs when they open the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League season Thursday in Lewiston against the Maineiacs.
Grant, a Pittsburgh Penguins prospect, was one of four players who missed the final three pre-season games to attend National Hockey League rookie training camps. The other three players are Chris Di Domenico (Toronto Maple Leafs), Brett Gallant (Ottawa Senators) and David Stich (Dallas Stars).
However, much to the delight of Saint John head coach and general manager Jacques Beaulieu, all four will be ready to go for the season opener.
"It's huge pressure off me," Beaulieu said.
That means the Sea Dogs will start the season at full strength with their top scorer from last season (Di Domenico), captain (Grant), tough guy (Gallant) and rugged rearguard (Stich).
Grant was the only one of the four at practice on Tuesday, arriving in Saint John early in the morning from the NHL rookie tournament in Kitchener, Ont.
The third-year blue-liner made the most of his time with the Penguins, scoring three goals and adding two assists, including a game-winner.
"It was an unbelievable experience to play at the NHL level with older and stronger guys," he said. "The pace was a lot faster and it was definitely an eye-opener."
Grant said he was a little disappointed he didn't get invited to the Penguins' main training camp alongside the likes of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, but according to Beaulieu he wasn't far off.
The Sea Dogs bench boss spoke with Penguins director of amateur scouting, Jay Heinbuck, who said the team considered bringing Grant to the main camp based on his performance.
Grant said he spoke with the general manager, coaches and scouts after the decision and they had a lot of encouraging words for him.
"They were pleased and happy with what they saw," he said. "They said I set the bar really high and they want me to follow up and continue what I'm doing," he said.
Beaulieu said he likes the effect the pro experience had on his captain.
"He had a good camp, played well and his confidence is high right now," Beaulieu said.
