MacIntosh Scores in Pro Debut, Smallman and Gauthier Updates

Former Saint John Sea Dogs forward Aiden MacIntosh makes strong start with Evansville Thunderbolts, while other ex-QMJHL players face injury and trade news.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Aiden MacIntosh, a former forward for the Saint John Sea Dogs, has made an impressive start to his professional hockey career with the Evansville Thunderbolts of the Southern Professional Hockey League. Meanwhile, other ex-QMJHL players like Spencer Smallman and Julien Gauthier have faced injury setbacks and a trade, respectively.

Why it matters

MacIntosh's strong debut is a positive sign for the development of young hockey talent from the Maritimes, while the updates on Smallman and Gauthier highlight the challenges professional players can face with injuries and roster moves.

The details

MacIntosh, a 24-year-old from Moncton, New Brunswick, scored in each of his first two games with the Thunderbolts after signing a professional tryout agreement. He spent parts of three seasons with the Sea Dogs in the QMJHL and the past four years with the York University Lions. Meanwhile, former Sea Dogs captain Spencer Smallman will miss 4-6 months after undergoing shoulder surgery while playing for the AHL's Hershey Bears. Julien Gauthier, another ex-QMJHL player, was traded from the New York Islanders to the St. Louis Blues and assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Springfield Thunderbirds.

  • On February 21, 2026, MacIntosh scored in his professional debut with the Evansville Thunderbolts.
  • On February 22, 2026, MacIntosh scored again to help the Thunderbolts defeat the Peoria Rivermen.
  • Last week, the Hershey Bears announced that Spencer Smallman will miss 4-6 months after undergoing shoulder surgery.
  • On Tuesday, the New York Islanders traded Julien Gauthier to the St. Louis Blues.

The players

Aiden MacIntosh

A 24-year-old forward from Moncton, New Brunswick who spent parts of three seasons with the Saint John Sea Dogs in the QMJHL and the past four years with the York University Lions.

Spencer Smallman

A 29-year-old former captain of the Saint John Sea Dogs who is currently playing for the AHL's Hershey Bears.

Julien Gauthier

A 28-year-old forward who has dealt with injury issues in recent seasons and was traded from the New York Islanders to the St. Louis Blues.

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What they’re saying

“FIRST PRO GAME✅ FIRST PRO GOAL✅ WELCOME TO EVANSVILLE, AIDEN MACINTOSH!🚨”

— Evansville Thunderbolts Hockey (Twitter)

“Nothing is slowing Aiden MacIntosh down as he's now scored in back-to-back games, helping the Evansville Thunderbolts skate to a 3-0 win over the Peoria Rivermen.”

— Maritime Hockey (Twitter)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

MacIntosh's strong start in the pros is an encouraging sign for young hockey talent from the Maritimes, while the injury and trade news for Smallman and Gauthier underscores the challenges professional players can face in their careers.