Sea Dogs defeat Oil Kings

SHAWINIGAN, Quebec – The Saint John Sea Dogs have served notice they are still the team to beat at the Memorial Cup.

Zach Phillips scored twice and the defending champion Sea Dogs used greater effort and more of their considerable skill to defeat the Western Hockey League champion Edmonton Oil Kings 5-2 on Monday night and create a four-way tie for the lead.

It is the first time all the teams have been tied with 1-1 records since the four-team format was adopted in 1983.

“It’s really just our work ethic,” said Phillips. “When we work hard, there aren’t many teams that can beat us.”

The Oil Kings are back in action tonight against the Ontario Hockey League winners London, which defeated St. John 5-3 on Saturday.

Saint John faces what is sure to be an emotional final round-robin game on Wednesday against their Quebec Major Junior Hockey League rival Shawinigan Cataractes.