SEA DOGS ACQUIRE FIRST-ROUND PICK

Press Release

SAINT JOHN – The Saint John Sea Dogs have acquired another first-round pick in the 2012 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Entry Draft.

The Sea Dogs made their second trade of the annual Christmas trading period Thursday, sending forward Scott Oke to the Rimouski Oceanic, along with the rights to defenceman Maxime Gravel and Chicoutimi’s third-round pick in 2012.

In return the Sea Dogs receive a first-round pick in 2012, previously acquired from the Moncton Wildcats, along with Bathurst’s seventh-round pick in 2012.

The move gives the Sea Dogs three picks in the first round of the 2012 entry draft. The final trade period of the QMJHL season ends Jan. 7.

Oke, 18, was Saint John’s third-round pick, 37th overall, of the 2009 QMJHL Entry Draft. He made his QMJHL debut with nine games in 2009-10, then appeared in 54 games for last year’s Memorial Cup champions, tallying five goals and 10 points. He added a goal and six points in 18 playoff contests and played in all four games at the Memorial Cup.

Oke, who attended training camp with the Dallas Stars of the NHL in the fall, has nine goals, 22 points and 24 penalty minutes through 37 games so far this season.

Saint John selected Gravel in the third round of the 2011 entry draft but he did not report to training camp.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)