SEA DOGS ACQUIRE TOP-FLIGHT DEFENSEMAN

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

SAINT JOHN – With the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League trade period winding down, the Saint John Sea Dogs have added another veteran to the mix.

The Sea Dogs announced Wednesday the acquisition of defenseman Eric Gelinas from the Chicoutimi Sagueneens, in exchange for defenseman Guillaume Cloutier.

Gelinas, 19, was a second-round pick of the New Jersey Devils in 2009, and is considered one of the league’s top all-round defensemen. With nine goals and 24 points in 35 games, the fourth-year veteran is on his way to a third straight season with 30 or more points. The six-foot-three, 189-pound rearguard is also a veteran of three playoff runs: one with Chicoutimi, and two with the Lewiston Maineiacs, who selected him in the first round of the 2007 QMJHL draft.

“We are thrilled to have him,” said Sea Dogs director of hockey operations Mike Kelly. “He is an elite defenseman that will provide a steadying influence on our blue line”

In return, the Sea Dogs surrender talented young blueliner Guillaume Cloutier. The 17-year-old impressed in his rookie season and was highly sought after as Saint John looked to add experience for another run at the President’s Cup.

With the QMJHL trade window set to close Thursday, the Sea Dogs have now made three moves to acquire veterans with playoff experience.

For a complete list of Sea Dogs trades click HERE.

The Sea Dogs continue play on the road Saturday against the Halifax Mooseheads, a 7 p.m. start. Tune in to News 88.9 FM for Tim Roszell’s live broadcast, or stream the action online via the official TELUS QMJHL webcast (click HERE to order; charges apply).

Saint John’s next home game is set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11 against the Prince Edward Island Rocket. Tickets can be obtained by calling the Harbour Station box office at (506) 657-1234, or by visiting www.tickets.harbourstation.ca.