Another Building Year For The Sea Dogs

The president of the Saint John Sea Dogs says the focus this year will be to make the playoffs.

Trevor Georgie said the past two seasons have been challenging as part of the rebuilding process.

Georgie said this will be another building year for the team, but now they start the climb to the top.

“We’re excited for the season,” said Georgie just hours before last Friday’s home opener.

As the Sea Dogs continue to rebuild, many of the teams will start their rebuilding process next year.

Georgie said that is when the Sea Dogs can really make a climb and aim for the Memorial Cup.

“We don’t expect this to be a banner year, but we want to win championships … next season and the season after that,” he said.

“Our division is a tough division. I think that that hurts us this year but it definitely makes it a more opportune time for us next year when it’s all flipped around.”

Georgie said this year’s team is one of the most skilled, talented and fastest teams he has seen in Saint John in the last three years.

Sea Dogs announce @nicguay10 as Captain ahead of 15th Season > https://t.co/Y3Yxo8CtxO pic.twitter.com/4XoMKUVzT9

— Saint John Sea Dogs (@SJSeaDogs) September 18, 2019

There is also a lot to be excited about when it comes to team captain Nicholas Guay, he said.

“He was a 90-point player last year in Drummondville, captained a team that was the second-place team in the whole league,” Georgie said. “[Guay was] second in scoring on that team, only lost out to Joe Veleno, a former Sea Dog.”

In addition to wanting a playoff spot, Georgie said another major focus for the team will be the pack mentality.

“This year, with so many players in their draft year, we just want them to focus on the team aspects and make sure that they know that when the team has success, then you’re having success, and then everyone wins,” he said.

In June, Saint John council approved a contentious agreement to give the hockey club up to $112,500 over five years to keep them in the city.

Just weeks before their first game, the Sea Dogs’ home arena was renamed TD Station as part of a five-year sponsorship agreement with TD Bank Group.

Georgie said the five-year deal gives the hockey club an opportunity to project out and plan ahead.

“When you think of wanting to host a Memorial Cup in Saint John, when you think of us recruiting players to come play in Saint John, there’s a lot up in the air if you don’t know where you’re going to be long-term,” he said.

“Having that comfort to know that we’re gonna be here, at least for another five seasons, is fantastic.”