October 26, 2012 -

 

 Toronto - The Canadian Hockey League (CHL) is one of the world's premier amateur hockey leagues and is considered the top -tiered league within the Canadian amateur hockey structure. Through our leading edge player development, education and health and safety programs, we provide our 1,400 players with the training and support they need regardless of whether they continue to play hockey after the CHL or pursue other career paths.

Our 60 clubs operate with the best interest of the players in mind, at all times. It is estimated the net value, or investment, for each player in the league is between $35,000 -40,000 annually. This accounts for the education program, and the many other benefits provided by CHL member Clubs.

The CHL vehemently disagrees with the recent allegations made by Georges Laraque on behalf of the Canadian Hockey League Player's Association (CHLPA). Mr. Laraque, knows better than anyone, the investment that we make in each of our players and our commitment to ensuring that the player's amateur hockey experience is maximized.

We firmly believe that our Teams have always acted in accordance with all applicable provincial and federal laws and will continue to do so.

The CHL is charged with ensuring that our players, who are between the ages of 16-20 are protected. We have no interest in doing anything that would jeopardize their experience. That is why, more than eight weeks ago, we communicated with Mr Laraque that prior to any meeting with the CHLPA we needed to understand who is behind the organization, how the organization operates and to be provided with a copy of their mandate. We have not heard back from the CHLPA.

In terms of any organizing drive by the CHLPA, we have and will continue to operate within the legal guidelines. This is without exception. We will however continue to tell our players and their families that before they agree to anything that they do their research into the CHLPA, who is behind it. We do not believe that any third party can provide programs and support better than what the CHL currently voluntarily provides to our players, through our member teams.

 

October 10, 2012 -

 

 CHARLOTTETOWN - The Saint John Sea Dogs and Prince Edward Island Rocket met in Charlottetown with the PEI Rocket coming out on top by a score of 4-0 in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action Wednesday night.

Kevin Gagne and Stephen MacAulay made their returns Wednesday night just in time to play and Sebastien Auger made 29 saves on 33 shots in Saint John's loss.

Louick Marcotte, Victor Provencher, Josh Currie and Ben Duffy scored for the Rocket with Antoine Bibeau stopping all 22 shots for a shutout.

Click HERE to view a complete scoresheet from Wednesday's game. For interviews and highlights, visit Sea Dogs TV, the team's official YouTube channel.

Oliver Cooper had the best chance early on a Rocket turnover. The second-year Sea Dog cut into the zone zipping towards the net, but was unable to get a proper shot off and Bibeau had it caught under his pads.

The middle of the first saw the teams trade chances in a flurry of back-and-forth play following some four-on-four time.

Auger made a huge save on Provencher, robbing the PEI forward point-blank near the end of the first period.

Currie had a break off a turnover and went one-on-one with Auger. Auger flashed his right pad on a brilliant move to rob Currie of the chance just after the six-minute mark.

Marcotte broke the deadlock and opened the scoring in favour of the Rocket at 18:15 and notching the only marker of the second period.

The Rocket pulled up 2-0 on a tip in front from Provencher, leaving Auger with no chance for a save at 4:05.

Currie made it 3-0 Rocket at 5:38.

Auger made an excellent shoulder save on a breaking Duffy to keep the deficit at three. He followed that save up with another beauty using the blocker this time on a rebound chance for PEI.

Duffy returned however to ice the game with Auger down and out with only 1:02 remaining in the third.

The Dogs return home Friday night to take on the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies at Harbour Station in the first of a double-header weekend. It's also 97.3 The Wave night! Fans are encouraged to dress up, show off and make up their best Wave impression for their chance to win a great prize. Game time is 7 PM. Game two of the doube-header will see the Val d'Or Foreurs visit on Saturday night for Bingo Night. Tickets for both games are available at the Harbour Station box office, online at www.tickets.harbourstation.ca or by calling 657-1234.