Time to live up to press clips
Published Tuesday October 7th, 2008
In what seems like a blink of an eye, we're already 10 games into the fourth season of Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action in Saint John.
After making it all the way to the final four last season, the Sea Dogs are a team with legitimate expectations to go all the way in just their fourth year.
Stories have suggested the Dogs are the class of the league and hockey's bible - The Hockey News - ranked them fifth in the country before the season started. What better time to assess certain key players on a team that has put together a record of 4-6?
Chris DiDomenico - He's as lazy as all get out at times and displays head-turning skills at others. One example of the former was during Thursday's 3-1 loss to the Shawinigan Cataractes. When he had the puck, it was like he was skating downhill. Then on a couple of occasions, when he lost possession and had to back check, it was as though he'd just been shot in both legs and was trying his darnedest to get back to the bunker. And those questionable penalties he takes are bound to cause plenty of friction between him and the boss, coach and general manager Jacques Beaulieu. Then again, the beautiful goals he scores, such as the one that sealed Saturday's 5-1 win, tend to make all things good again. He also scored twice in Sunday's win, including the overtime winner. DiDomenico was never drafted in the Ontario Hockey League and people were amazed when Saint John uncovered the diamond in the rough. Maybe his laziness was one of the factors. His skill, on the other hand, was why the Toronto Maple Leafs selected him in the sixth round of the 2007 draft. Fans in Saint John are hoping we see more of the latter.
Michael Kirkpatrick: Here is a terrific example of how the game should be played. Hard-working, fearless, skilled and smart, Kirkpatrick will develop into a team leader.
Robert Mayer: Prior to the season, one of the biggest questions the Sea Dogs faced was whether the Swiss star would be good enough to backstop the team to a championship. To put it politely, not everyone thought he was the man. But suddenly, the 18-year-old signs a contract with the Montreal Canadiens and all appears rosy. Sorry, but he'll have to do more than put pen to paper to prove himself. Saturday's performance was certainly a start, and to follow it up with a first-star performance in Sunday's 3-2 overtime win was another solid step in the right direction.
Mike Thomas: With the departure of tough-as-nails scrapper Brett Gallant, Thomas was expected to partially fill the role of team policeman. It hasn't happened so far. The toughness of this lineup scares no one. This is an important time in Thomas' career. If he doesn't make a real impact and start to create an identity for himself during the first half, the 18-year-old could find himself on the trading block.
Payton Liske: The guy is six-foot-five but plays more like five-foot-five. Far too soft, especially for someone occupying one of the three coveted 20-year-old spots. In order for the native of Welland, Ont., to prove his worth, he'll have to put up big numbers and maybe then we'll give him a pass for playing like he's got eggs in his pockets.
Matthew Stoddard: You're 18 now. You're talented and should begin to blossom soon. So far this season, Stoddard is pointless in nine games and has a team-worst minus-6 rating. If this trend continues, the Porters Lake, N.S. native should prepare for a change of address.
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OUTLOOK: While the record is not anything to write home about, there is still not any sign of panic and rightfully so. There is plenty of talent on the roster, but perhaps the players should take some advice from the coach - stop reading press clippings and start playing hockey. In other words, park the egos and get down to business.
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SIMONDS RETURNS: During Saturday's ceremonial opening faceoff, Saint John fire chief Rob Simonds returned to a familiar position. Simonds is arguably the best amateur referee to ever come out of Saint John. His highlight came back in 1994 when he was selected to officiate - along with Rothesay linesman Chuck McTague - at the World Hockey Championship in Italy. Simonds no longer pulls on the arm bands but was pleased with the reception he received to mark the beginning of Fire Prevention Week. "That's the first time I've ever been on the ice and people didn't boo," he quipped.
Peter McGuire is the Telegraph-Journal's city editor. His weekly Quebec Major Junior Hockey League column appears on Tuesdays. Email him at mcguire.peter@telegraphjournal.com
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