Sea Dogs get new coach less than a month before Memorial Cup

The Saint John Sea Puppies are welcoming a new coach significantly less than a month right before they compete for the Memorial Cup on home ice.

The club parted approaches with head mentor Gordie Dwyer just after a surprise very first-spherical exit in the Quebec Main Junior Hockey League playoffs. 

To fill the vacancy, the workforce has introduced in somebody who understands a detail or two about profitable championships.

New coach Gardiner MacDougall has won 7 nationwide titles in 22 seasons with the University of New Brunswick’s men’s hockey plan. 

“It truly is wonderful how a cellphone call can variety of modify your daily life,” MacDougall told Data Early morning Saint John.

He claimed when he acquired the contact with the work present, it was a quick selection.

“[It’s] in fact a serious massive honour and a privilege to have this responsibility,” he reported.

The club will be hosting the cup on June 20. The event options the three championship teams from significant junior hockey groups from the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, the Ontario Hockey League and the Western Hockey League. The Sea Puppies will contend due to the fact they’re the hosts.

The president of the Sea Pet dog Trevor Georgie reported the shakeup in coaching speaks to the team’s commitment to get. 

“It truly is a human selection, and Gord is a excellent person, and you will not like to make those people choices,” he advised Information Early morning Saint John.

“But when you might be when you might be dedicated to the team and dedicated to what is best for the team, then you might be all in fully commited to what is most effective for the fans in conditions of wanting a Memorial Cup here in Saint John, then then you do it.”

Georgie reported hiring MacDougall appeared the most effective go.

“He is moved a large amount of players up to the professional ranks, where by our players have those aspirations,” he mentioned.

MacDougall stated he did wait at initially because this is a active time for recruiting for the Reds, but his assistant mentor will be getting on a minor much more get the job done so he can have time to mentor the Sea Canine.

He said coaching a new group so close to video game time, and soon after they experienced a loss, can be complicated, but it can also be an asset.

“Often adversity can be your buddy,” he said. “I think we have to use the adversity as a stepping stone to become much better and, you know, have the option to recreate a basis for the team.”

Georgie said the players are buying into MacDougall’s electricity and enthusiasm for the video game.

MacDougall will stay on with the Sea Canines till the close of the match, which commences on June 20.