Saturday, December 22, 2012

SEA DOGS SAY GOODBYE TO GAGNÉ

Press Release

SAINT JOHN – The Saint John Sea Dogs announced tonight that five-year Sea Dogs veteran and over-ager Kevin Gagné has been traded to the Rimouski Oceanic.

“Kevin Gagné has not only been an outstanding player, competitor and leader for the organization for the past four and a half years, the example he provided defines how a young man should handle himself through the struggles of establishing himself as player for the Saint John Sea Dogs as well as through the good times of winning championships,” says Sea Dogs Head Coach and General Manager Mike Kelly. “His example of humility and selflessness in all situations is remarkable while his professionalism is certainly beyond his years.”

The Sea Dogs also sent a 6th-round pick from the 2014 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League entry draft to Rimouski. In return, Saint John receives Rimouski’s 1st and 6th-round pick in the 2013 QMJHL entry draft and Cape Breton’s 2014 4th-round pick from the Oceanic.

Gagné was originally selected in the second round, 32nd overall, by the Sea Dogs in the 2008 QMJHL Entry Draft. Undrafted in the NHL, the Edmundston, NB native was invited to the Hamilton Bulldogs training camp and offered a 25-game PTO agreement, which he turned down in favour of finishing his junior career.

The 20-year old defenceman inked his name in the Sea Dogs record books by passing Yann Sauvé for the all-time games played lead among defencemen. He also broke a career high already this season in goals, passing his previous high of nine reached in both the 2010-11 and 2011-12 seasons.

The Sea Dogs swept the Oceanic in the 2012 QMJHL President Cup final series 4-0. Gagné will help the 4th place Oceanic get back to the President Cup final this year.

“We wish Kevin all the best in the future and find it difficult to thank him enough for everything he has added to the Sea Dogs organization,” said Kelly.

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

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