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Post by JPA on Jun 14, 2023 11:16:34 GMT -4
HALIFAX MOOSEHEADS Cam Russell TEAM OUTLOOK: Head Coach: Jim Midgley; GM: Cam Russell Imports: D David Moravec; LW Yannik Ponzetto
The Mooseheads are coming off a wildly successful season where they made it all the way to the Courteau Cup final before losing to the eventual Memorial Cup champion Quebec Remparts in 6 games. The Mooseheads had a 1 goal lead in Game 6 with about 3 minutes left, and one of the losses came in overtime - it was that close.
Coaching looks solid with Sylvain Favreau, Brad MacKenzie and Liam Heelis all expected to return after the deep run.
Update: Favreau stepped down for personal reasons on June 26 and signed on as the new Drummondville head coach on July 2.
Update: Former Mooseheads' coach Jim Midgley was named the new head coach on July 24.
Goaltending and defence look to be positions of strength, while there appears to be some openings up front.
The Mooseheads are expected to have another season where they could compete for a league championship, but it will take some doing. They have some good pieces in place, but some major holes to fill.
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HALIFAX MOOSEHEADS TRAINING CAMP ROSTERGOALTENDERS | YOB | SIZE | GP | W-L | SO | GAA | Sv% | George Foti, OHA HEO U18 | 2006 | 5'10"-160 lbs. | 17 | 8-6 | 1 | 3.42 | .906 | Daniel Heroux, Kimball Union Prep | 2005 | 6'1"-216 lbs. | 33 | - | - | - | .934 | Brady James, Halifax Mooseheads | 2003 | 6'1"-177 lbs. | 21 | 14-4 | 1 | 3.39 | .882 | Sam Madgett, Cole Harbour Wolfpack U18 | 2007 | 6'1"-157 lbs. | 19 | 9-3 | 0 | 2.91 | .892 | Jack Milner, Truro Bearcats Junior A | 2005 | 5'10"-162 lbs. | 30 | 20-6 | 0 | 3.31 | .897 | Mathis Rousseau, Halifax Mooseheads | 2004 | 5'11"-167 lbs. | 49 | 36-7 | 4 | 2.48 | .912 | Olivier St-Onge, Champions Academy Prep | 2007 | 6'0"-162 lbs. | 33 | 23-6 | 5 | 2.40 | .898 |
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| DEFENCEMEN | YOB | SIZE | GP | G | A | PTS. | PIM | R Carter Amico, Mount St-Charles Prep U15 | 2007 | 6'4"-200 lbs. | 67 | 8 | 25 | 33 | 8 | L Jake Beardsmore, South Shore Junior A | 2004 | 6'2"-207 lbs. | 50 | 6 | 9 | 15 | 54 | L Hugo Boucher, Gatineau Intrepide U18 | 2006 | 6'0"-190 lbs. | 36 | 3 | 9 | 12 | 48 | L Colin Brodeur, Sherbrooke U17AAA | 2007 | 6'1"-186 lbs. | 31 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 60 | L Jackson Dorrington, Northeastern NCAA | 2004 | 6'1"-171 lbs. | 35 | 0 | 6 | 6 | 23 | L Eddy Doyle, Kensington Wild U18 | 2007 | 5'11"-148 lbs. | 24 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 24 | L Ryan Fletcher, Valley Wildcats U18 | 2006 | 5'8"-154 lbs. | 30 | 5 | 16 | 21 | 24 | L Jake Furlong, Halifax Mooseheads | 2004 | 6'1"-187 lbs. | 67 | 7 | 43 | 50 | 40 | R Jameson George, Saint John Vitos U18 | 2007 | 5'9"-148 lbs. | 35 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 4 | R Camden MacKenzie, Pictou County Jr. A | 2004 | 6'0"-158 lbs. | 50 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 97 | R Dominic MacKenzie, Weeks Majors U18 | 2006 | 5'10"-160 lbs. | 34 | 1 | 24 | 25 | 18 | R Dylan MacKinnon, Halifax Mooseheads | 2005 | 6'2"-188 lbs. | 61 | 6 | 17 | 23 | 75 | L Ben Manos, Weeks Majors U18 | 2006 | 5'11"-170 lbs. | 34 | 6 | 4 | 10 | 26 | L Jack Martin, Halifax Mooseheads | 2005 | 6'0"-179 lbs. | 43 | 3 | 10 | 13 | 8 | L Nikolas Mokriakov, Halifax Macs U18 | 2006 | 6'4"-194 lbs. | 35 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 8 | L David Moravec, Halifax Mooseheads | 2003 | 6'1"-187 lbs. | 60 | 4 | 24 | 28 | 22 | R Owen Phillips, Halifax Mooseheads | 2006 | 5'11"-176 lbs. | 62 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 16 | L Noah Razon, Lac St-Louis Lions U18 | 2005 | 5'10"-163 lbs. | 42 | 2 | 18 | 20 | 26 | L Ben Robertson, Cole Harbour U18 | 2006 | 5'11"-191 lbs. | 29 | 6 | 14 | 20 | 41 | L Brady Schultz, Halifax Mooseheads | 2004 | 5'10"-182 | 68 | 6 | 36 | 42 | 46 | R Mathieu Taillefer, St-Hyacinthe U18 | 2006 | 6'0"-181 lbs. | 35 | 3 | 10 | 13 | 34 | L Andrew Thompson, Char'town Knights U18 | 2006 | 6'2"-184 lbs. | 25 | 3 | 8 | 11 | 28 | L Cameron Whynot, Halifax Mooseheads | 2003 | 6'2"-181 lbs. | 48 | 3 | 22 | 25 | 18 |
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| LEFT WING | YOB | SIZE | GP | G | A | PTS. | PIM | L Brandon Abbass, South Shore Junior A | 2004 | 5'10"-186 lbs. | 28 | 7 | 5 | 12 | 36 | L Aidan Bent, Valley Wildcats U18 | 2006 | 5'10"-141 lbs. | 35 | 20 | 17 | 37 | 28 | L Attilio Biasca, Halifax Mooseheads | 2003 | 6'1"-183 lbs. | 60 | 24 | 35 | 59 | 4 | R Mathieu Cataford, Halifax Mooseheads | 2005 | 5'11"-187 lbs. | 68 | 31 | 44 | 75 | 66 | L James Chase, Windy City Storm 16U | 2006 | 5'9"-182 lbs. | 27 | 10 | 10 | 20 | 19 | R Logan Crosby, Halifax Mooseheads | 2005 | 6'2"-184 lbs. | 58 | 6 | 8 | 14 | 6 | L Tully Grant, Truro Bearcats Junior A | 2005 | 6'0"-161 lbs. | 48 | 5 | 6 | 11 | 51 | L Tristan Leblanc, Steele Subaru U18 | 2006 | 5'10"-165 lbs. | 35 | 12 | 11 | 23 | 14 | L Zachary L'Heureux, Halifax Mooseheads | 2003 | 5'11"-196 lbs. | 33 | 21 | 21 | 42 | 34 | L Tucker Makinen, Steele Subaru U18 | 2007 | 5'10"-146 lbs. | 34 | 6 | 12 | 18 | 28 | L Michael Munroe, Avon Old Farms Prep | 2007 | 5'7"-154 lbs. | 69 | 39 | 33 | 72 | - | L Alec Nasreddine, Notre Dame, Sk U16/17 | 2007 | 5'11"-175 lbs. | 38 | 14 | 17 | 31 | 10 | L Reece Peitzche, Halifax Mooseheads | 2006 | 6'0"-188 lbs. | 64 | 6 | 7 | 13 | 12 | L Yannik Ponzetto, Kloten U17/20 | 2006 | 6'1"-165 lbs. | 64 | 40 | 36 | 76 | 60 | CENTER |
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| L Chris Battaini, New Jersey NAHL | 2005 | 5'8"-154 lbs. | 52 | 16 | 28 | 44 | 6 | L Justin Breton, Levis Chevaliers U18 | 2006 | 5'9"-159 lbs. | 42 | 7 | 23 | 30 | 20 | L Will Carroll, Champions Academy Prep | 2007 | 5'11"-171 lbs. | 68 | 31 | 50 | 81 | 20 | L Hudson Clarke, Sydney Rush U18 | 2006 | 6'0"-188 lbs. | 33 | 8 | 15 | 23 | 54 | L Matt Dabrowski, Mid Fairfield Prep 15U | 2007 | 5'11"-165 lbs. | 8 | 5 | 1 | 6 | 14 | R Will Doherty, Tabor Academy Prep | 2006 | 5'11"-150 lbs. | 50 | 11 | 15 | 26 | 20 | R Antoine Fontaine, Magog U18 | 2006 | 5'8"-157 lbs. | 41 | 23 | 34 | 57 | 4 | R Kyle Greene, Bishop Kearney Prep | 2006 | 5'10"-146 lbs. | 71 | 6 | 21 | 27 | - | L Liam Kilfoil, Buffalo Regals Prep | 2007 | 5'11"-165 lbs. | 50 | 25 | 29 | 54 | - | L Lou Levesque, Saint-Eustache U18 | 2006 | 5'8"-148 lbs. | 42 | 21 | 13 | 34 | 10 | R Braeden MacPhee, Halifax Mooseheads | 2004 | 5'10"-168 lbs. | 68 | 6 | 11 | 17 | 47 | L Patrick McNab, Lac St-Louis U17AAA | 2007 | 5'10"-164 lbs. | 29 | 11 | 7 | 18 | 46 | L Cade Moser, Weeks Majors U18 | 2006 | 5'9"-164 lbs. | 26 | 15 | 18 | 33 | 8 | L Jake Todd, Halifax Mooseheads | 2005 | 5'9"-170 lbs. | 21 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 11 | L Tyler Totten, Cole Harbour Wolfpack U18 | 2005 | 5'10"-162 lbs. | 35 | 24 | 28 | 52 | 26 | L Markus Vidicek, Halifax Mooseheads | 2004 | 5'10"-157 lbs. | 68 | 32 | 48 | 80 | 20 | L Ben Wallace, Weeks Majors U18 | 2005 | 5'11"-157 lbs. | 35 | 25 | 25 | 50 | 82 | RIGHT WING |
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| R Luke Dow, Mid Fairfield Prep 15U | 2007 | 5'6"-140 lbs. | 10 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 2 | R Jordan Dumais, Halifax Mooseheads | 2004 | 5'9"-174 lbs. | 64 | 54 | 86 | 140 | 6 | R Brody Fournier, Halifax Mooseheads | 2003 | 5'10"-181 lbs. | 68 | 13 | 12 | 25 | 16 | R Mathis Laplante, C. Charles-Lemoyne U18 | 2006 | 5'10"-171 lbs. | 42 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 50 | R Keegan O'Neill, Sydney Rush | 2006 | 5'7"-150 lbs. | 35 | 9 | 23 | 32 | 14 | L Liam Welsh, Halifax Mooseheads | 2005 | 5'8"-161 lbs. | 28 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
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GOALTENDERS
Mathis RousseauGOALTENDERS | 04 Mathis Rousseau | 05 Jack Milner |
GOALTENDING: If ever there was a time to use the word "lock" during an off-season roster projection, Mathis Rousseau would fit that designation. The only question about goaltending heading into the 2023-24 season for the Mooseheads will be who earns the backup role. It's pretty well a given that the Moose won't go with a 20 year-old backup who will probably only play 15-20 games at most.
I would guess that Jack Milner will be given a long look in camp for the number 2 role. He had a really good season in Junior A.
Notes: 2005 Goaltender Daniel Heroux is NCAA commited to University of Vermont for the 2024-25 season (Elite Prospects).
2003 Goaltender Brady James will likely not be back as a 20 year-old. Update: James was released on August 28th.
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DEFENCEMEN
Dylan MacKinnonLEFT DEFENCE | RIGHT DEFENCE | 04 Jake Furlong | 05 Dylan MacKinnon | 04 Brady Schultz | 03 David Moravec | 05 Jack Martin | 06 Owen Phillips | 06 Dominic MacKenzie |
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DEFENCE: The returning group of Mooseheads' defencemen is viewed as their strongest position along with goaltending. In an interview during the draft, Cam Russell said that "one, or both of David Moravec and Attilio Biasca could be back." Whether Moravec returns, or not, the Moose- heads are already six deep assuming that Cam Whynot is back as a 20 year-old.
Whynot is NHL drafted, but hasn't been signed by the Calgary Flames. After struggling with injuries including a broken foot, many Moose fans seem to expect him back in Halifax next season. According to how it plays out, there could be an opening or two in training camp. Update: Cam Whynot was not on the official training camp roster when it was released on August 11th.
Notes: 2007 American D Carter Amico is penciled in for the US National Team Development Program (NTDP) U17 team next season.
2004 D Jake Beardsmore was drafted in the 1st round of the MHL draft last year, 5th overall. He's very mobile. He might surprise and make the team if either Whynot or Moravec do not return. Update: Jake Beardsmore was scratched from the training camp roster on July 5th (source Scott MacIntosh tweet).
2006 D Hugo Boucher was drafted by the Mooseheads last year (2022-6th-101).
2004 American D Jackson Dorrington is already playing NCAA hockey with Northeastern University, now entering his second season.
2007 D Eddy Doyle was drafted this season (2023-4th-75) and will probably go back to U18.
2006 D Dominic MacKenzie was a 2nd team NSU18 All-Star. He was a big part of the Weeks Majors winning the Atlantics.
2004 D Camden MacKenzie got into 3 games last year with the Mooseheads.
2003 David Moravec would take up a European spot and a 20 year-old spot if he returns next season. Update: It was announced on July 5th that Moravec would be back next season.
2006 D Owen Phillips' family lost their home in the Tantallon fire.
2004 D Brady Schultz had a solid playoff season (21-4-13-17-10) which could be a sign of things to come.
2006 D Mathieu Taillefer showed well in training camp last year. He is NCAA commited to Penn State for 2024-25. Update: Taillefer will not attend training camp this season.
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FORWARDSMarkus VidicekLEFT WING | CENTER | RIGHT WING | 05 Mathieu Cataford | 04 Markus Vidicek | 04 Jordan Dumais | 05 Yannik Ponzetto | 04 Braeden MacPhee | 03 Brody Fournier | 05 Logan Crosby | 06 Reece Peitzche | 07 Liam Kilfoil | 05 Jake Todd | 06 Antoine Fontaine | 06 Lou Levesque | 06 Cade Moser |
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FORWARDS: There are some holes up front if the Mooseheads want to be a serious contender. Replacing a couple of 50 goal scorers won't be easy, and it isn't like those goals can be replaced by commitee. There will need to be additions up front, and some shuffling by position until the final roster is put together in January. There could be as many as six forward spots to fill. Antoine Fontaine looks ready to fill one of those spots.
The Mooseheads are thin on the right side, but both Mathieu Cataford and Logan Crosby are right hand shots playing the left side, and center Braeden MacPhee has played on the right side on occasion.
Update: The Mooseheads selected 2006 LW Yannik Ponzetto of Switzerland 50th overall in the CHL Import draft. Ponzetto led all Swiss U17 players in scoring this season with 52 points and was named the Top Forward. A team release says that he has commited to the Moose- heads for the coming season.
Notes: 2004 LW Brandon Abbass got into 5 games with the Mooseheads over the past two seasons.
2003 LW Attilio Biasca would also use up a 20 and a European spot if he returns. He has really good speed down the wing. His return would be a huge boost to another hopeful deep playoff run. Update: It was announced on July 5th that Biasca would not be returning.
2003 LW Zachary L'Heureux has been signed by the Nashville Predators and won't be back in Halifax.
2007 LW Michael Munroe was also drafted by the Youngstown Phantoms USHL team that has tendered Zachary Morin.
2007 LW Alec Nasreddine is the son of former NHL'er Alain Nasreddine.
2005 C Chris Battaini is NCAA commited to Merrimack next season.
2007 C Matt Dabrowski was selected in the American Draft (23-1st-17).
2006 C Will Doherty was selected in last year's American Draft (22-2nd-29). He has some nice puckhandling skills and knows when to pull the trigger. He can drop back and play the point on the PP and has a really nice wrister from the blueline. He'd be a really nice addition if the Simons can arrange it. He has a nice highlight vid available on Youtube.
2006 C Antoine Fontaine led Quebec U18 in assists and finished 2nd in points. He also got into a game with the Mooseheads.
2007 C Liam Kilfoil has signed a letter of intent with Dubuque of the USHL for next season. I would guess that he will be in the Mooseheads plans for the 2024-25 season after a year at Dubuque. Update: Kilfoil signed with the Mooseheads on July 13th. He will be with the team for the coming season.
2006 C Cade Moser had a strong playoff season (12-11-6-17-2) as the Majors won the Atlantics.
2005 C Tyler Totten finished 2nd in NSU18 scoring and was a 2nd Team All-Star.
2005 C Ben Wallace was a NSU18 1st Team All-Star with the Weeks Majors.
2007 RW Luke Dow was a teammate of Matt Dabrowski at Mid Fairfield Prep in Connecticut.
2005 RW Liam Welsh made the original regular season roster, but a mutual agreement was reached with the Truro Bearcats of the MHL on September 5th that would see him play for the Bearcats and serve as an AP with the Mooseheads if necessary.
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* These offseason looks at QMJHL teams will be updated as often as required leading up to training camps in August.
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Post by JPA on Jun 23, 2023 11:21:26 GMT -4
IN THE SYSTEM - HALIFAX MOOSEHEADS CHL Import Draft: Halifax (2023-1-44)
2006 YANNIK PONZETTO, Kloten U20 6'1" - 165 lbs. Left Wing: Shoots LSEASON | TEAM / LEAGUE | GP | G | A | PTS. | PIM | 2021-22 | Kloten U17 | 38 | 18 | 24 | 42 | 14 | 2021-22 | Bulach U20 | 5 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 2021-22 | Kloten U20 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2021-22 | Switzerland U16 International | 10 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 4 | 2022-23 | Kloten U17 a; b | 34 | 26 | 26 | 52 | 40 | 2022-23 | Kloten U20 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 2022-23 | Switzerland U17 International | 22 | 11 | 10 | 21 | 14 |
a - Led Switzerland U17 in points (52). b - Named Switzerland U17 Best Forward. “We were happy to be able to get Yannik at that spot. He’s a big, skilled winger who will be able to immediately step in and play.” - Cam Russell
General Manager Cam Russell used his first round pick (44th overall) on Wednesday to select 6-foot-1, 165 pound forward Yannik Ponzetto who played at both the U17 and U20 level with Kloten Elit last season. The 17-year-old scored 26 goals and added 26 assists in 34 games played for Kloten U17 last season. His 52 points were the most in the entire Swiss U17 league. He also led the league in playoff scoring with 20 points on 10 goals and 10 assists in nine games. Ponzetto later notched three goals in eight games at the U20 level. He is a left- handed shot and primarily plays as a left winger. Ponzetto will join the Mooseheads when training camp opens in late August at the RBC Centre in Dartmouth. - Halifax Mooseheads website
There is some limited game footage of Ponzetto on Youtube if you search for it. From what I can put together, he isn't overly fast, but he's quick on the forecheck and really likes to go to the front of the net where he's a handful for defencemen. He's pesky and feisty in the same manner as Markus Vidicek and sets up a good screen.
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Drafted QMJHL: Halifax (2023-2-31) Me 8 CSR 13 HP 14
2007 LIAM KILFOIL, Buffalo Regals 16U 5'11" - 170 lbs. Centre: Shoots LSEASON | TEAM / LEAGUE | GP | G | A | PTS. | PIM | 2019-20 | Port City Sharks NBBAAA a | 25 | 13 | 14 | 27 | 12 | 2020-21 | Port City Sharks NBU15MHL | 20 | 19 | 15 | 34 | 16 | 2021-22 | Mount St. Charles 14U b | 75 | 59 | 95* | 154 | 8 | 2022-23 | Buffalo Regals US16U | 25 | 16 | 20 | 36 | - | 2023-24 | Dubuque Fighting Saints USHL |
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a - NBBAAAHL Rookie of the Year b - Led USU14 in assists (95). “He’s always on the right side of the puck. He’s a very cerebral player and a very good finisher around the net. At the next level, he’s going to generate offence because he can create space for himself on the ice. He’s very shifty and he has the puck on his stick all the time.” - Kyle Quick, Buffalo Regals head coach
“During the first phase of the QMJHL Cup, he showed his effectiveness in all three zones. Defensively, he’s reliable by supporting his defensemen, keeping an active stick and competing in battles. He can be used in all situations for his team, no matter if it’s the powerplay, the penalty kill or the last minute of a game. He is a great puck distributor and creates scoring chances consistently. He’s also strong on his feet and effective at protecting the puck.” - Justin Blackmore, CSR New Brunswick scout
Liam Kilfoil has been regarded as one of the best 2007 New Brunswick players since he played U12 hockey. He is a strong skater who likes to carry the puck into the opposing end and then hold onto it looking to make a play in a style similar to that of Jordan Dumais of the Halifax Mooseheads.
He has good speed, but doesn't yet have blazing speed to the outside. Watching his inter- views, he's very mature for his age and is already regarded as a dependable two-way player by his coaches.
Liam led all US 14U players in assists (95) with Mount St. Charles and finished 2nd in US Prep school scoring last season. He was the only Canadian born player in the top 20 scorers.
This season, he switched to the Buffalo Regals program to face older competition and put up 36 points in 25 games. He also had a good showing at the Canada Games with Team New Brunswick (6-4-4-8-2).
Liam has tendered an agreement to play for the Dubugue Fighting Saints of the USHL next season.
Update: After having the Mooseheads trade up to select Liam in the 2nd round, and taking into account what it cost them to do so, you would need to think that he is in their future plans - maybe even as early as this season. A "letter of intent" at the USHL level is not legally binding. All it means is that if you play in the USHL, it needs to be with the team that you signed with.
Many 16 year-old players take the US Prep School or Junior A route to keep their options open but end up opting for Major Junior at 17, while still honouring their commitments. The Saints surrendered a 1st round pick in the USHL draft in order to tender him, so I would guess that he will play a season with Dubuque and then join the Mooseheads for the 2024- 25 season. That's only a guess, and I'd love to see him in a Mooseheads' jersey this season.
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Drafted QMJHL: Halifax (2022-3-47)
2006 ANTOINE FONTAINE, Magog Cantonniers U18 5'8" - 157 lbs. Centre: Shoots RSEASON | TEAM / LEAGUE | GP | G | A | PTS. | PIM | 2019-20 | Massey-Vanier QBAAA | 21 | 12 | 12 | 24 | 0 | 2020-21 | Triolet Harfangs QBAAA | - | - | - | - | - | 2021-22 | Magog Cantonniers QM18AAA | 36 | 8 | 19 | 27 | 14 | 2022-23 | Magog Cantonniers QM18AAA a; b | 41 | 23 | 34* | 57 | 4 | 2022-23 | Halifax Mooseheads QMJHL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
a - Led QM18AAA in assists (34). b - Named QM18AAA Most Sportsmanlike Player. Antoine Fontaine was drafted by the Mooseheads in the 2022 QMJHL draft, 47th overall. He returned to U18 with Magog this past season and finished 2nd in league scoring with 57 points, trailing only Nathan Lecompte. He was named the winner of the Patrice Bergeron Trophy as the league's Most Sportsmanlike Player.
In playing style, he has very good hands and is a good playmaker and puckhandler. He got into a game with the Mooseheads against Sherbrooke on February 25th and showed some really good speed and didn't at all look out of place. He also went 4/4 in faceoffs. While he doesn't pick up a lot of PIM, it isn't from shying away from the high traffic areas - he's very competitive.
Heading into training camp, it would seem like a safe bet to think that he will be be given every opportunity to make the team.
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Drafted QMJHL: Halifax (2021-9-153) Drafted MHL: Truro (2021-8-89)
2005 JACK MILNER, Truro Bearcats MHL 5'10" - 155 lbs. Goaltender: Catches LSEASON | TEAM / LEAGUE | GP | W | L | GAA | SV% | 2018-19 | Nova X-men NSU15HL | 20 | 11 | 7 | 2.62 | - | 2019-20 | Nova X-men NSU15HL a; b | 17 | 12 | 5 | 2.10 | .920* | 2020-21 | Cape Breton West NSU18HL | 14 | 5 | 9 | 3.41 | .888 | 2021-22 | Cape Breton West NSU18HL c | 22 | 9 | 12 | 3.07 | .899 | 2022-23 | Truro Bearcats MHL | 30 | 20 | 6 | 3.31 | .897 |
a - Led NSU18HL in Save% (.920). b - Named NSU18HL Playoff MVP. c - Named to NSU18HL 1st All-Star team. Jack Milner is coming off a fantastic rookie season with the Truro Bearcats where he put up 20 wins while appearing in 30 games. He has put up solid numbers since minor hockey in Antigonish. He won the NSU15HL Playoff MVP award during the 2019-20 season despite playing for the losing team in the league final against the Halifax Macs.
Jack showed well in a preseason game last year with the Mooseheads stopping 16 of 18 shots in a 3-2 win over Saint John. He made several highlight reel saves this past season with the Truro Bearcats including one "Save of the Year" candidate with a diving glove save. He's sound technically and has good mobility.
In my own opinion, a year in Junior A can make a huge difference for a goaltender where things like rebound control and leaving the net to handle the puck become a necessity. He should be much more prepared this time around at the Mooseheads training camp. The only negative with Jack is that he doesn't have the size (5'10"-155 lbs.) a lot of hockey people look for in a goaltender.
The Mooseheads have an opening for a backup with 20 year-old Brady James not likely to be back. As of late June, Jack would appear to be one of those listed on the preseason roster most likely to get a long look in camp.
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2023 Invitee (Update: Jake Beardsmore will not attend the Mooseheads camp) Drafted MHL: South Shore (2022-1-5)
2004 JAKE BEARDSMORE, Truro Bearcats 6'2" - 207 lbs. Defence: Shoots LSEASON | TEAM / LEAGUE | GP | G | A | PTS. | PIM | 2019-20 | Dartmouth Voyageurs NSU16AAA | 32 | 3 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 2020-21 | Dartmouth Voyageurs NSU16AAA | 21 | 3 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 2020-21 | Steele Subaru NSU18HL | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2021-22 | Steele Subaru NSU18HL | 33 | 5 | 11 | 16 | 16 | 2022-23 | South Shore Lumberjacks MHL | 50 | 6 | 9 | 15 | 54 |
Jake Beardsmore is undrafted in the Q and it was a surprise to see his name added to the Mooseheads training camp roster in June heading into his 19 year-old season. He played U16 AAA heading into his draft year and was completely under my radar. To put together this profile, I had to go back and watch some of his game action from this season on HTV. To say that I was surprised would be an understatement.
He's a left hand shot who plays the right side, and I know it's only Junior A, but is he ever mobile and responsible defensively. He rides opponents wide with ease with his skating and strength. He wins almost all of his puck battles and pins cleanly. He also jumps up into the play in a flash when there is an opening. He handles the puck really well and makes smart and safe plays. He doesn't flub the puck trying to get it out even on the backhand. He adds a solid level of physicality.
I'm going to guess that he gets a really long look in camp. In the event that Cam Whynot or David Moravec (or both) do not return, IMO - Jake Beardsmore would be able to step in without the need to look elsewhere for a replacement. He's a solid all-around defenceman that won't need many games to adjust. He can also play a lot of minutes.
Jake had his rights traded from South Shore to the Truro Bearcats recently, so if he doesn't make the Mooseheads in camp, he would be close by in case of injury. I could have him pegged wrong, but that's honestly what I see.
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Drafted QMJHL: Halifax (2023-4-67) Me 150 CSR C HP 98
2007 ALEC NASREDDINE, Notre Dame Hounds U18 5'11" - 175 lbs. Left Wing: Shoots LSEASON | TEAM / LEAGUE | GP | G | A | PTS. | PIM | 2020-21 | New Jersey Devils 13U | 17 | 12 | 5 | 17 | 4 | 2021-22 | Governor Livingstone USHS | 23 | 22 | 19 | 41 | 8 | 2022-23 | Notre Dame Hounds U18 | 38 | 14 | 17 | 31 | 10 |
Alec Nasreddine is the son of former NHL player and current Dallas Stars assistant coach, Alain Nasreddine. He grew up and played his youth hockey in New Jersey, but asked to be placed in the QMJHL draft pool in January. He still has NCAA aspirations but wanted to keep his major junior options open until making his final decision. Alec finished a distant 3rd in scoring with the Notre Dame Hounds this season. He's a good skater who plays a solid two-way game and likes to go to the side of the net. If he commits to a QMJHL team at some point, he could jump up a round or two. He was ranked as a 'C' prospect on the CSR final list (rounds 6 to 8 - pick 91-144). He has a nose for the net.
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Post by JPA on Jun 26, 2023 14:52:58 GMT -4
JUNE 26, 2023 Favreau resigns as Head Coach
Halifax, NS – The Halifax Mooseheads announced the resignation of Head Coach Sylvain Favreau on Monday after six seasons on the bench with the team.
Favreau, who joined the Mooseheads as an Assistant Coach in 2017, is leaving for personal reasons. The Orleans, ON native compiled a record of 88-48 in 136 games as Head Coach over the last two seasons.
“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the entire organization. I am grateful for the support, collaboration and camaraderie I have experienced throughout my tenure with the Mooseheads,” Favreau said.
He led the Mooseheads to a Maritimes Division title in 2022-23 and a berth in the QMJHL’s Gilles Courteau Trophy Finals with the second-best record in franchise history at 50-11-4-3.
“We would like to thank Sylvain for his unwavering commitment, dedication and immense contributions to the Mooseheads the last six years. We wish him the best in his future,” said Sam Simon, Chairman and Owner of the Halifax Mooseheads, and Peter Simon, President of Simon Sports.
The search for a new Head Coach will begin immediately.
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Post by JPA on Aug 14, 2023 6:54:39 GMT -4
Not Attending Camp from Mooseheads' Preseason Roster:
G Daniel Heroux D Carter Amico D Jake Beardsmore D Jackson Dorrington D Noah Razon D Ben Robertson D Mathieu Taillefer D Cam Whynot LW Brandon Abbass LW Attilio Biasca LW Zachary L'Heureux LW Mike Munroe C Chris Battaini C Matt Dabrowski C Will Doherty C Kyle Greene C Patrick McNab RW Luke Dow
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Post by JPA on Aug 17, 2023 12:50:26 GMT -4
FROM THE SALTWIRE NETWORK: Mooseheads GM Cam Russell on new format, faces for upcoming training camp: 'It's going to be a fun one' Willy Palov Wednesday August 16, 2023
Several QMJHL teams opened training earlier this week but the Halifax Mooseheads aren't in as much of a rush.
The team's rookie hopefuls will first take the ice on Sunday and they'll go twice a day before the veterans roll in to round out the group. By that time there will be 49 players in the fold, including 17 returnees. And the team's first game of the pre-season will be Tuesday against the Cape Breton Eagles at the RBC Centre in Dartmouth so everything will ramp up pretty quickly.
"We'll have a few of the guys from last year's team on the ice by (Monday) but we really just want to evaluate the rookies separately for the first two days," Mooseheads general manager Cam Russell said. "That will give us about 35 guys for the first part and what we'll do is have some practices and then play three-on-three and four-on-four. We might even do a little five-on-five. But we feel like that gives us a better opportunity to focus on the younger guys and see what we've got before we go to the next step."
Among the key kids to watch in the first two days are Liam Kilfoil, Yannik Ponzetto, Alec Nasreddine, Eddy Doyle, Antoine Fontaine and Lou Levesque. Kilfoil is a centre and was the team's top pick in this year's QMJHL draft. The Mooseheads traded up to get him in the second round (31st overall) but he would've gone much higher had he not been conflicted about his hockey path at the time.
The Quispamsis, N.B., native had strong interest in the NCAA but the Mooseheads secured a commitment from him in mid-July. He is certain to make the team, as is Ponzetto, who was Halifax's pick in this year's CHL import draft. The Swiss winger will be expected to contribute offensively right away, especially after earning rave reviews from scouts at the recent Hlinka Gretzky Cup Under-18 Championship in Czechia and Slovakia.
Fontaine (third round) and Levesque (fifth round) were 2022 draft picks and made excellent bids to make last year's team but the team opted to put them back in the Quebec under-18 league for extra playing time. The move appears to have been the right one, with both players having outstanding seasons. It's likely they have forward spots to lose this time around. Nasreddine was the Mooseheads' second pick this year (fourth round) and is a winger who will also get a good look.
Boucher was Halifax's sixth-round pick in 2022 and was a pleasant surprise at last year's camp. He, Doyle (fourth round, 2023) and Camden McKenzie will be leading candidates for the No. 7 spot on the blue line.
"There are spots that are open and we're going to have some tough choices because we feel we've got quite a few good players vying for them," Russell said. "And the beauty of training camp is you have no idea who will stand out until you get everyone on the ice. There will be surprises and there will be disappointments. That's the way it is every year.
"We're excited to see all these guys and to see who jumps out at us or comes out of nowhere. It's going to be a fun one. We're looking forward to seeing how far these kids have come since (we drafted them)."
There may also be an opening in goal behind starter Mathis Rousseau. Fourth-year goalie Brady James is in camp but is 20 years old so it remains to be seen if the team will use one of its three overage spots on him.
Should the Mooseheads opt for a younger player for the backup role, both Antigonish's Jack Milner (ninth round, 2021) and George Foti (eighth round, 2022) performed well in last year's camp and Milner joined the team for a handful of games in 2022-23 as a callup. The Mooseheads drafted two goalies this year - Olivier St-Onge (eighth round) and Sam Madgett (10th round).
With all that said, it will be a difficult year for rookies to make the team, let alone play a meaningful role. The starting six on defence is set with returnees David Moravec, Jake Furlong, Brady Schultz, Dylan MacKinnon, Owen Phillips and Jack Martin already in place.
Rousseau was one of the elite goalies in the league last year so he'll start the bulk of Halifax's games again this season. And stars Jordan Dumais, Mathieu Cataford and Markus Vidicek will lead the team up front, while returning forwards Braeden MacPhee, Logan Crosby, Brody Fournier, Reece Peitszche, Jake Todd and Liam Welsh will also all be looking for more ice time.
And even after losing several impact players from last year's team that finished second overall and was a league finalist, the Mooseheads will be a top contender again this season so they may even add other veterans at some point.
"We've got a lot of key players back but we still have a few holes to fill," Russell said. "We'll assess it first in training camp and then we'll see where we're at. After that we'll see how the fall goes and make more decisions. But we're pretty excited with the group we have coming back. We basically have our defence back, our starting goalie and a top line. It's exciting."
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