May 26, 2006

Brine likely headed to Saint Mary’s

By GORDIE SUTHERLAND Sports Reporter

If David Brine doesn’t turn pro, he’ll play next season with the Saint Mary’s Huskies of the Atlantic Universities Hockey Conference.

The former Halifax Mooseheads’ centre made his decision this week.

"I just really like the program," Brine said of Saint Mary’s. "It’s a great school program, great hockey program."

Brine, 21, attracted several suitors from the university ranks after putting up 100 points with the Mooseheads. The Bible Hill resident is a strong two-way centre who excels in the face-off circle. He was also a co-captain in Halifax, sharing the responsibility with Rane Carnegie.

He already has 3 ½ commerce credits from SMU.

"He was my No.1 priority, for sure, for a lot of reasons," Saint Mary’s coach Stienburg said. "I like the way he plays. He’s a local kid, he’s an exceptional student and he’s a leader."

Brine finished the season with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League. He dressed for nine playoff games and had an assist.

He’s leaving the pro door open.

"We’ll see what they offer and then weigh it against the Saint Mary’s option," said Brine, six-foot-one and 201 pounds.

Stienburg has landed three locals in all, including centre Kyle Doucet of Ferguson’s Cove and goalie Brandon Verge of Fall River.

Doucet managed 74 points in 70 games last season with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies while Verge finished his Quebec league career with the St. John’s Fog Devils.

The other SMU recruits are: defencemen Chris Morrison (Barrie, OHL); Nathan Beausoleil (Clarkson, U.S. college); forward Ryan Rorabeck (Belleville, OHL); centre Scott Brophy (St. John’s, QMJHL).

Another former Moosehead is headed to the Moncton Aigles Bleus. Defenceman Louis Mandeville transferred from UQTR where he played with the Patriotes, but he’s eligible to skate with Moncton right away because he’s taking a masters program in business.