UVM Shoots Down Rumours Again

Two days into the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League trade period, the only big time rumours the Saint John Sea Dogs have been involved in are about NCAA players.

This past weekend, rumours started to circulate that University of Vermont forward Connor Brickley and defenseman Michael Paliotta were close to signing with the Sea Dogs. Saint John holds the QMJHL rights to both players.

SportingVermont.com reported on Sunday that UVM denied those rumours. On Monday, the Burlington Free Press reported the same thing.

Alastair Ingram, the hockey media contact for UVM athletic communications, confirmed Monday that both players had been contacted by UVM officials and both stated there is no truth to the reports. Ingram also confirmed that head coach Kevin Sneddon also refuted the stories after discussions with players and families.

Brickley, who is currently in Alberta trying to crack Team USA’s world junior roster, spoke to The Pipeline Show about the rumours of him heading to Saint John.

"My allegiance is still to the University of Vermont right now and it looks like it's going to be there for good but who knows what could happen but for now it's at UVM," Brickley told Guy Flaming of TPS.

Flaming also asked Brickley if Charlie Coyle leaving Boston University to join the Sea Dogs has made him consider all his options.

"Charlie, whatever it takes for him and his individual growth as a hockey player... my team, I think, needs me back at UVM and my allegiance is to them and I want to help them turn the program around so UVM is my home."

The Catamounts currently sit last in the Hockey East standings with a record of 1-9-1 for just three points. They have a 3-12-1 record overall. Brickley has eight goals and two assists in 15 games while Paliotta has a goal and four helpers in 16 contests.