Sea Dogs’ new captain
Webster will play entire junior career with Saint John organization
Bailey Webster has joined some very select company.
Not only has the 20-year-old son of Jason and Tara (nee Bowness) Webster of Kelvin Grove been named the 15th team captain in the history of the Saint John Sea Dogs, but the passing of Saturday’s Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) trading deadline means he will also complete his five-year junior career with the same organization.
“I was excited and have been looking forward to this role,” said Webster in discussing his appointment as captain during a phone interview with the Journal Pioneer on Sunday afternoon. “I like trying to lead a team, we have a rebuilding team and I want to be a part of that leadership group. . . I’m pretty honoured.”
Webster, a stay-at-home defenceman who served as an alternate captain with the Sea Dogs, has previous experience as captain in atom and in his second year of bantam AAA. He’s also served as an assistant captain with a number of teams.
“I just want to be myself,” said Webster in describing his leadership style. “I try not to be somebody I am not because I am wearing the C. I want to set a good example.”
Webster noted he has learned a lot from previous Sea Dogs’ captains. He mentioned Olivier LeBlanc, Mark Tremaine and Spencer Smallman, who has family ties to West Prince.
“I looked up to them, and they were good leaders for me,” said Webster, a graduate of Kensington Intermediate-Senior High School.
One important aspect of Webster’s leadership role is inclusion.
“You know the guys who didn’t make you feel welcome when you were younger, and you remember the guys who did,” he went on to say. “That’s why I try to make a good example, and make everyone feel welcome.”
While a lot of players would be disappointed they weren’t moved to a contender in their final year of eligibility, Webster emphasized he’s happy to remain a Sea Dog.
“Before the (trade) deadline is tough because there is a lot of insecurity, and guys do not know what is going to happen, if they are going to get moved or they are going to stay,” explained Webster. “I am glad the deadline has passed, now this is
“I just want to be myself. I try not to be somebody I am not because I am wearing the C. I want to set a good example.” Bailey Webster
the team and we can focus on getting better as a group.”
Saint John drafted Webster in the seventh round, 113th overall, of the 2013 QMJHL Entry Draft.
“I always thought that would be exciting to be with the same organization your whole career,” said Webster, who has worn the Sea Dogs’ uniform for 220 regular-season and playoff games. “It’s pretty special and exciting.”
Webster began his career with the Sea Dogs five years ago, when he was called up for seven games as an affiliated player from the Kensington Monaghan Farms Wild major midget team during the 2013-14 season. He became a regular on the Saint John blue-line the following season – 2014-15 – and was a key contributor to the 2016-17 QMJHL champions.
This year, however, the Sea Dogs are 11-21-6-2 (won-lostovertime losses-shootout losses), and sit 17th overall in the 18-team league. Saint John is five points behind Val-d’Or (16-21-1-2) for the final playoff berth.
“One of my goals is to lead the guys into a playoff spot,” added Webster. “We are continuing to get better, and if everyone is playing their game we can be a good team.
“We are all trying to enjoy the process and get better all the time. There are going to be good days and bad days. I know all the guys just want to get better.”