SEA DOGS NOTEBOOK

FELIX SCHUTZ UPDATE
Schutz is another German prospect in the Sabre organization. He has 13 points and a +2 in 27 games this season with the Pirates. Schutz missed some games this season with a concussion. He will need to step up to improve production over his rookie year. With more experience his game will improve, but he is not one of the Sabres blue chippers. He is in the running for a position on a German squad for the Olympics, however, there is no guarantee that the 22-year-old will crack the squad.

Schutz was not placed on the German olympic team but one of his Portland team mates was. To view the full Hockey’s Future article on Sabers prospect in the AHL and ECHL click HERE.

ALEX GRANT UPDATE
The same story seems to go on and on. Grant has many great tools, it is just a matter of putting them all together on a consistent basis. Like Haddad, Grant was assigned to the Wheeling Nailers before organization-wide injuries forced him to be called up to the AHL in mid-November. In his first game in the AHL, the 20-year-old Grant dropped the gloves with Dale Weise (NYR). Before being reassigned to the ECHL, the native of Nova Scotia posted one goal and a plus-3 rating in four games. Since returning to the Nailers, Grant has been on fire, posting three goals, seven assists in 10 games for a total of seven goals, nine assists in 22 games.

To view the full article on Penguins prospects in the AHL and ECHL on Hockey’s Future, click HERE.

OUTDOOR GAME?
The Moncton Times & Transcript has once again started the buzz for a New Years Eve outdoor game at Moncton’s new track and field stadium. Next season, the Wildcats play in Saint John on New Years Eve.

With the Dec. 31 match-up becoming an annual ritual, there is continued support in the community for the showcase being played outdoors at the brand-new Stade 2010 Moncton Stadium in the future.

Let's explore this possibility for a moment shall we? Imagine 10,000-plus people in attendance at the multi-purpose facility that should be large enough to accommodate a regulation-size ice surface plus a soundstage at one end.

How about if the game is the catalyst for a New Year's Eve celebration that would include a post-game concert featuring a couple of well-known bands? Like maybe one regional act and one national or international star attraction.

The night would then culminate with a wonderful fireworks display to welcome the New Year.

This could eventually evolve into a world-class event that would be unique to Moncton and I dare say become a destination for revellers. Your thoughts on this are encouraged.

To view the original article click HERE.

DIDOMENICO UPDATE
The Toronto Maple Leafs had a horribly written article on the status of Chris DiDomenico this week. To view the full article click HERE.

DiDomenico, recovering from a severe leg break he suffered in the QMJHL final in April, is returning to Drummondville this Sunday via airplane according to L’Express.

DIDO, TEAM CANADA NAMED TOP SQUAD OF ‘09
The 2009 Gold medal winning Canadian junior team was named the Canadian Press team of the year this past week. To view an article on the award click HERE.

The team featured former Sea Dog Chris DiDomenico, who played on a line with the hated Angelo Esposito and first overall pick in the NHL entry draft John Tavares.

GINGRAS LEAVES LEWISTON
Former Sea Dog Mathieu Gingras has reportedly left the Lewiston MAINEiacs according to L’Express. He quit the team in search of more ice team.

If his rights are not traded by the trade deadline on January 7, he will have to report back to Quebec “AAA,” according to the report.

In 28 games this season, he has two goals and nine assists. He was traded by Drummondville to Saint John in the Chris DiDomenico trade. He was sent to Lewiston this past August.

DESCHAMPS ALMOST A SEA DOG?
According to Nicolas Deschamps, he almost became a Sea Dog.

"There were a lot of trade rumours about me so I was expecting to go somewhere,” he told the Times & Transcript. “I heard rumours that I was going to Victoriaville. Then my agent called to say I would be going to Moncton or Saint John. Saint John made an offer for me also."

These words will make many Saint John fans drool over the possibilities he could have created by anchoring the team’s second line with Michael Kirkpatrick and Steven Anthony. Deschamps leads the Wildcats in scoring with 21 goals and 31 assists.

THE STREAK IS OVER - AGAIN
The Barrie Colts 22-game winning streak has come to an end. The streak ties the Sea Dogs for the fourth longest streak in Canadian Hockey League history.

That's more than two months worth of Ontario Hockey League wins -11 on the road, 11 at home, two through OT and via shootout.

"Our team's going to be talking about it 10 years from now," Barrie Colts forward Kyle Clifford said following Saturday's 6-4 loss to the Owen Sound Attack to the Barrie Examiner. "It's a great accomplishment for us."

The article incorrectly states that the Sea Dogs’ streak was carried over from last season.