William Dufour, right, skates with the puck. (Image: Saint John Sea Dogs)
It has been a month of practice for the Saint John Sea Dogs.
After losing in the first round of the QMJHL playoffs, the Sea Dogs have been practicing to prepare for the national tournament.
The team will begin the tournament Monday against the Hamilton Bulldogs, who are the Ontario Hockey League champions.
After a practice over the weekend, Sea Dogs forward William Dufour mentioned the month-long training has been busy, but rewarding.
“We’re in tough shape right now. I mean, we have been training for a month, so we were practicing, or training every day for about five to six days per week, so we’re ready, and we’re in top shape, and we have no excuses,” said Dufour.
Dufour was named this year’s Quebec Major Junior Hockey League MVP. He was also the first player from the league to hit 50 goals since 2018.
Fredericton native and forward Josh Lawrence also said a few words after practice on Saturday.
Lawrence mentioned he was excited that the Memorial Cup tournament is in his home province.
“It’s really an honour, and we’re all really excited to get going, and it’s going to be a really good opportunity for us,” he said.
Lawrence had a big year for the Sea Dogs with 31 goals, 70 assists, and 101 points.
The opening game of the tournament between the Saint John Sea Dogs and the Hamilton Bulldogs goes Monday at 7 p.m. at TD Station.
Hear from William Dufour, Josh Lawrence and Vincent Sevigny after the @SJSeaDogs first practice at the 2022 #MemorialCup presented by @KiaCanada! pic.twitter.com/uF1xvLQtyW
— Canadian Hockey League (@CHLHockey) June 19, 2022
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