Post by dogcatcher on Sept 1, 2007 6:45:19 GMT -4
Trio of rookies making strong first impressions
Andrew McGilligan
Telegraph-Journal
Published Saturday September 1st, 2007
Appeared on page C6
OROMOCTO - It's not easy to develop a tradition in only three years of existence, but the Saint John Sea Dogs may have just that on their hands.
In the team's first two seasons, they've had a first-year player step up and make big contributions.
In year one, it was forward Ryan Sparling flying out of the gate with an offensive explosion in the first half of the year.
Last year, it was Chris Di Domenico, a player overlooked in his native Ontario, coming in and electrifying the Harbour Station crowd.
So who could be the guy to make a name for himself in year three? According to head coach and general manager Jacques Beaulieu, and the two forwards who've started the tradition, there are three guys to watch for.
The first players who came to mind for Di Domenico are Steven Anthony and Simon Despres.
"They've really impressed me out there," Di Domenico said. "They've shown lots of smooth skating and that they can play here."
Despres and Anthony were the Sea Dogs' two first-round picks, first and tenth overall, respectively, in the 2007 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League entry draft.
Both Beaulieu and assistant coach Jim Midgley have expressed their satisfaction with Despres' abilities. Beaulieu went so far as to say the first-year blue-liner is ahead of his time in a previous interview with the Telegraph-Journal.
As for Anthony, Di Domenico said it's certain aspects of his game that he's enjoyed watching.
"He has smooth strides and he's so strong on the puck. He can only get better from here," the Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick said.
When asked which players have made early impressions, Sparling mentioned the same two players as Di Domenico and added Michael Kirkpatrick to list.
"He's a great skater and really knows how to move the puck," Sparling said of Kirkpatrick.
As for Anthony, who's been playing on a line in practice with Sparling, it's his strength that surprised the third-year player.
"He's a skill player, but he can push some guys around out there and protect the puck," the Sea Dogs' second-leading scorer from last season said.
As for adjusting to the league, Sparling said he hopes he can do for younger players what Kevin Coughlin did for him in his first season.
"I was living the dream in my first season and having a lot of fun," Sparling said. "(Coughlin) took me under his wing and I owe him a lot for that, and hopefully I can do that for someone this year and be on the other side of things."
The Sea Dogs' bench boss spoke of all three players as having the potential for breakout seasons. However, he thinks one might have a slight edge.
"I think Michael Kirkpatrick will be special," Beaulieu said. "With his junior A experience playing against older guys, he looks to be the most ready."
He does caution fans to be patient with all three as they enter their first season of QMJHL hockey.
"They're all special guys," he said. "Only time will tell and it's still pretty early."
HOME SWEET HOME: The Sea Dogs will cut their time short at CFB Gagetown. The team returned to Saint John following their exhibition game in Lewiston on Friday. The Sea Dogs will take today off before hitting the ice for a morning practice from 8:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the St Hurley Arena on Sunday. The team will stay at the Hurley Arena for Monday's practices from 8:30 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.
Andrew McGilligan
Telegraph-Journal
Published Saturday September 1st, 2007
Appeared on page C6
OROMOCTO - It's not easy to develop a tradition in only three years of existence, but the Saint John Sea Dogs may have just that on their hands.
In the team's first two seasons, they've had a first-year player step up and make big contributions.
In year one, it was forward Ryan Sparling flying out of the gate with an offensive explosion in the first half of the year.
Last year, it was Chris Di Domenico, a player overlooked in his native Ontario, coming in and electrifying the Harbour Station crowd.
So who could be the guy to make a name for himself in year three? According to head coach and general manager Jacques Beaulieu, and the two forwards who've started the tradition, there are three guys to watch for.
The first players who came to mind for Di Domenico are Steven Anthony and Simon Despres.
"They've really impressed me out there," Di Domenico said. "They've shown lots of smooth skating and that they can play here."
Despres and Anthony were the Sea Dogs' two first-round picks, first and tenth overall, respectively, in the 2007 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League entry draft.
Both Beaulieu and assistant coach Jim Midgley have expressed their satisfaction with Despres' abilities. Beaulieu went so far as to say the first-year blue-liner is ahead of his time in a previous interview with the Telegraph-Journal.
As for Anthony, Di Domenico said it's certain aspects of his game that he's enjoyed watching.
"He has smooth strides and he's so strong on the puck. He can only get better from here," the Toronto Maple Leafs draft pick said.
When asked which players have made early impressions, Sparling mentioned the same two players as Di Domenico and added Michael Kirkpatrick to list.
"He's a great skater and really knows how to move the puck," Sparling said of Kirkpatrick.
As for Anthony, who's been playing on a line in practice with Sparling, it's his strength that surprised the third-year player.
"He's a skill player, but he can push some guys around out there and protect the puck," the Sea Dogs' second-leading scorer from last season said.
As for adjusting to the league, Sparling said he hopes he can do for younger players what Kevin Coughlin did for him in his first season.
"I was living the dream in my first season and having a lot of fun," Sparling said. "(Coughlin) took me under his wing and I owe him a lot for that, and hopefully I can do that for someone this year and be on the other side of things."
The Sea Dogs' bench boss spoke of all three players as having the potential for breakout seasons. However, he thinks one might have a slight edge.
"I think Michael Kirkpatrick will be special," Beaulieu said. "With his junior A experience playing against older guys, he looks to be the most ready."
He does caution fans to be patient with all three as they enter their first season of QMJHL hockey.
"They're all special guys," he said. "Only time will tell and it's still pretty early."
HOME SWEET HOME: The Sea Dogs will cut their time short at CFB Gagetown. The team returned to Saint John following their exhibition game in Lewiston on Friday. The Sea Dogs will take today off before hitting the ice for a morning practice from 8:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at the St Hurley Arena on Sunday. The team will stay at the Hurley Arena for Monday's practices from 8:30 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.