Clarenville’s Liam Leonard a Perfect Fit for the Saint John Sea Dogs

Clarenville’s Liam Leonard A Perfect Fit for the Saint John Sea Dogs

Tuesday August 4, 2020 could be a one of those days that Sea Dogs fan remember for a long time.

It might not be a massive blockbuster trade, but the Sea Dogs organization just got a lot tougher to play against.

Liam Leonard might not be a game breaker, but he will be a game changer for the Dogs.

The overage gritty forward is just what the doctor ordered for a team looking to make a legitimate run at President Cup Championship in 2021.

“I’m very excited to join the Sea Dogs on this new journey,” Leonard said.

“I’m excited for the opportunity, that lies ahead.

“I can’t wait to get started at training camp,” admitted Leonard.

The quiet kid from Clarenville, Newfoundland isn’t going to be an offensive force or a power play specialist, but he’s exactly what the Sea Dogs need.

Leonard has certainly earned the opportunity to play as an overager in the QMJHL.

Leonard’s character, skill, intensity and unrelenting energy coupled with his ability to play up and down the line will undoubtedly pay dividends for the Dogs.

“I’m going to bring grit and toughness,” Leonard said.

“I’m going to stand up for the younger players and try to chip in on the offensive side of things as well,” admitted Leonard, who will now join his third New Brunswick based QMJHL team in the last eleven months.

Every successful championship caliber team needs a honest energy player, a grit or sandpaper type of player that isn’t scared to get their nose dirty to help the team win at any cost.

That’s Liam Leonard.

The highly touted championship ready Moncton Wildcats acquired Leonard from the Acadie-Bathurst Titan for that very purpose last year.

Leonard and the Cats missed out on their opportunity to win a championship or two due to the horrific COVID-19 pandemic, but his experience with the Cats will something that he will never forget.

“My time in Moncton really showed me that I can adapt to any role thrown my way,” Leonard said.

The Wildcats organization really helped me become a better player and person everyday, I will miss all the guys there, it was an amazing experience.” Leonard said proudly.

Summer trades in junior hockey are usually a dime a dozen, but this one is different for the Sea Dogs.

Trevor Georgie and his staff have identified and subsequently filled a big void in their line up by acquiring a player like Liam Leonard.

Leonard understands there’s no guarantees in the game and is fully prepared to take every advantage of the opportunity to play as an overager in the Q.

“It will mean the world to me to play as an overager.”

“I’ve dreamed of this moment since I first played in the league to have a spot as a twenty and to be the guy who leads the team in the locker room.”

“I’m going to be a strong voice in the room.”

“I will always stand up for the young guys and I’m going try to help this team win a championship in the upcoming season,” Leonard said.

Spoken like a true team first glue type player.

Some trades may seem insignificant while some trades take time to materialize.

This trade is a game changer for a young talented team with Championship aspirations.

Be sure to mark your calendars, August 4, 2020 is a game changer for the Saint John Sea Dogs.