2023-24 OFFSEASON OUTLOOK - MONCTON WILDCATS

[JPA]

MONCTON WILDCATS Ritchie Thibeau and Robert Irving  TEAM OUTLOOK:    Head Coach: Daniel Lacroix; GM: Ritchie Thibeau    Imports: D Ales Zielinski; RW Sebastian Glas                                                                                                                 The Wildcats look good heading into next season. They added two of the very top pros-    pects in the draft in Caleb Desnoyers and Shawn Carrier, and they have youth, speed and  depth at every position.    They finished 3rd in their conference last season (35-29-2-2) trailing only Quebec and  Halifax and will look to pick right up where they left off and even make a good playoff run  this time around.    The coaching staff appears to all be returning and there should be a real sense of positiv-  ity this season. The Wildcats play a nice style and Etienne Morin gives them an NHL star  in the making to watch develop.  Update: Assistant coach Eric Labrosse took a position with the OCN Blizzard of the MJHL  on July 13th.

MONCTON WILDCATS TRAINING CAMP ROSTER

GOALTENDERS	YOB	SIZE	GP	W-L	SO	GAA	Sv%
Simon Cormier, Moncton Flyers U18	2007	5'10"-152 lbs.	17	8-7	0	3.16	.857
Cooper Flemming, Salisbury Prep	2005	6'1"-170 lbs.	28	-	-	-	-
Eli James, Rothesay-Netherwood Prep	2006	5'10"-190 lbs.	31	14-11	4	2.90	.901
Jacob Steinman, Moncton Wildcats	2004	6'0"-185 lbs.	46	21-20	3	3.09	.899
Kiefer Thompson, Charlottetown Knights U18	2005	5'11"-152 lbs.	12	10-1	0	2.66	.918
Keegan Warren, Yarmouth Mariners Junior A	2005	6'2"-165 lbs.	23	19-3	2	2.19	.912
Mavric Welk, Richmond Royals EOJHL	2005	6'4"-195 lbs.	15	11-3	0	3.08	.913
DEFENCEMEN	YOB	SIZE	GP	G	A	PTS.	PIM
R Trent Ballentyne, Moncton Wildcats	2004	6'3"-184 lbs.	43	0	6	6	28
L Mathieu Boucher, Sainte-Foy QCHL	2005	5'11"-170 lbs.	35	7	7	14	12
L Olivier Boutin, Gatineau Olympiques	2003	5'10"-174 lbs.	68	10	21	31	48
R Ben Damphousse, Rothesay-Neth. Prep	2007	6'0"-161 lbs.	69	3	9	12	0
L Ryan Dawe, Pinnacle Growlers U18	2007	6'2"-181 lbs.	27	0	5	5	6
L Nathan Dubreuil, Trois-Rivieres U18	2006	5'10"-146 lbs.	42	0	18	18	20
L Adam Fortier-Gendron, Moncton Wildcats	2006	5'10"-189 lbs.	68	1	11	12	6
L Shayne Gould, Bishop Kearney Prep	2007	5'6"-130 lbs.	44	0	17	17	2
R Natan Grenier, Moncton Wildcats	2005	5'10"-166 lbs.	44	3	7	10	6
L Ryan Hackett, Campbellton Tigers Junior A	2005	5'11"-162 lbs.	48	4	16	20	56
L Yotamin Klein, Cote-du-Sud QJHL	2005	5'10-157 lbs.	44	1	8	9	21
R Tristan Langlois, Lac St-Louis QM17AAA	2007	6'5"-174 lbs.	35	8	17	25	26
L Ben Lindsay, Cole Harbour Wolfpack U18	2007	6'2"-177 lbs.	32	4	19	23	24
L Luc Morais, Moncton Flyers U18	2007	5'8"-160 lbs.	33	1	8	9	4
L Etienne Morin, Moncton Wildcats	2005	6'0"-183 lbs.	67	21	51	72	50
R Anthony Pellitteri, NV River Rats 15U	2007	5'10"-207 lbs.	34	6	8	14	-
R Oscar Plandowski, Drum'ville / Wildcats	2003	6'0"-188 lbs.	64	6	13	19	54
L Jake Prince, Cole Harbour Wolfpack U18	2006	5'11"-154 lbs.	35	8	12	20	20
R Ales Zielinski, Czechia U17/20	2006	6'1"-187 lbs.	38	6	13	19	24
LEFT WING	YOB	SIZE	GP	G	A	PTS.	PIM
L Cole Bishop, Moncton Wildcats	2005	6'1"-194 lbs.	45	4	1	5	24
L Shawn Carrier, Trois-Rivieres U18	2007	5'9"-161 lbs.	40	16	18	34	8
L Cooper Cormier, Moncton Flyers U18	2005	6'1"-220 lbs.	33	25	27	52	54
L Justin Dumais, Lac St-Louis U18	2006	5'9"-146 lbs.	41	10	26	36	16
L Vincent Gazquez, Ridley College	2005	6'2"-185 lbs.	-	45	62	107	38
L Cole Eiserman, US NTDP	2006	5'11"-192 lbs.	94	97	51	148	60
L Neka Jean, Moncton Flyers U18	2006	5'9"-141 lbs.	32	9	7	16	6
L Yoan Loshing, Moncton Wildcats	2004	5'9"-164 lbs.	57	33	30	63	32
L Luke McPhee, Moncton Wildcats	2005	5'11"-193 lbs.	41	1	0	1	8
L Jake Rozzi, Youngstown Phantoms USHL	2004	6'0"-181 lbs.	61	18	29	47	10
L Julius Sumpf, Red Bulls Hockey Academy	2005	6'1"-176 lbs.	25	11	11	22	4
L Quincy Supprien, Coll. Esther-Blondin U18	2005	5'11"-165 lbs.	33	9	11	20	47
L Mac Wallace. Weeks Majors U18	2006	5'10"-140 lbs.	35	9	9	18	50
CENTER
L Caleb Desnoyers, St-Hyacinthe Gaulois U18	2007	6'1"-163 lbs.	42	23	30	53	44
L Antony Guay, Sag Lac QM17AAA	2007	5'9"-154 lbs.	34	23	26	49	38
L Jack Hayne, Cape Breton West U18	2007	5'8"-160 lbs.	33	19	15	34	18
L Drew Keiver, Rothesay-Netherwood Prep	2007	5'10"-168 lbs.	58	17	28	45	12
L Preston Lounsbury, Moncton Wildcats	2005	5'11"-166 lbs.	58	11	17	28	18
R Cameron Lund, Northeastern NCAA	2004	6'2"-192 lbs.	35	7	16	23	16
L Kayden McGuigan, Char'town Knights U18	2007	6'1"-194 lbs.	28	5	4	9	20
L Ben Mercer, Weeks Crushers Junior A	2004	6'1"-183 lbs.	48	21	33	54	44
L Miles Mueller, Moncton Wildcats	2004	6'0"-188 lbs.	51	11	12	23	22
L Devin Niles, Springfield THF 16U	2006	5'10"-152 lbs.	25	22	35	57	34
L Riley Sampson, Rothesay-Netherwood Prep	2006	6'2"-185 lbs.	69	31	22	53	78
L Gabe Smith, Moncton Wildcats	2006	6'3"-195 lbs.	66	4	16	20	49
L Jonas Taibel, Moncton Wildcats	2004	5'11"-180 lbs.	61	13	26	39	12
L Connor Trenholm, SJSD / Moncton Wildcats	2003	6'1"-191 lbs.	64	14	27	41	44
RIGHT WING
R Thomas Auger, Moncton Wildcats	2004	5'8"-155 lbs.	40	12	20	32	20
R Vincent Collard, Baie-Comeau Drakkar	2005	6'2"-195 lbs.	68	15	12	27	26
R Gavin Cornforth, Dubuque USHL	2006	5'9"-160 lbs.	49	4	6	10	18
R Alexis Daniel, Moncton Wildcats	2003	5'9"-188 lbs.	65	14	26	40	24
R Sidney Deslauriers, Sainte-Eustache U18	2006	5'11"-170 lbs.	42	14	14	28	16
R Sebastian Glas, Czechia U17/20	2006	5'11"-163 lbs.	72	13	21	34	26
R William Gosselin, OHA Maroon U18	2006	5'10"-187 lbs.	40	40	63	103	16
R Alex Mercier, Moncton Wildcats	2005	5'9"-176 lbs.	54	12	10	22	12
R Joshua Penney, Carleton Place Junior A	2005	5'11"-172 lbs.	32	3	7	10	22
R Anthony Roy, Pointe-Levy QM17AAA	2007	5'7"-150 lbs.	33	7	17	24	8
R Easton Schlender, Halifax Macs U18	2007	6'0"-181 lbs.	35	8	8	16	28
R Luke Sinclair, Sydney Rush U18	2007	5'11"-157 lbs.	34	13	19	32	6

GOALTENDERS

Jacob Steinman GOALTENDERS 04 Jacob Steinman     05 Mavrik Welk  GOALTENDING:    The Wildcats seemed to have enough confidence in 2004 Jacob Steinman returning as their  number 1 starter that they traded former 1st round draft pick, Vincent Filion. Steinman was  very good down the stretch with a 6-2 record in March, but prior to that, he showed a 15-18  record and finished with an overall 21-20 won-lost record. They got a big return for Filion that  included a 1st round draft pick, but goaltending might not be as solid as many have come to  believe.  Notes:  2005 Cooper Flemming played the season at Salisbury Prep where player stats are so poorly  kept that the only thing available on Elite Prospects is that he played in 28 games. Despite  that, some Wildcats' followers have him penciled in as the backup this season. Update:  Flemming was not on the official training camp list on August 15.  2005 Kiefer Thompson had a stellar season with the Charlottetown Knights and should battle  for the backup role.  2005 G Keegan Warren led the MHL in GAA (2.19) and was named to the MHL All-Rookie team.  He is the son of Morgan Warren. He has good size at 6'2" and could be in the mix for the back-  up role.

DEFENCEMEN

Etienne Morin LEFT DEFENCE RIGHT DEFENCE 05 Etienne Morin    03 Oscar Plandowski     03 Olivier Boutin 05 Natan Grenier 06 Adam Fortier-Gendron  04 Trent Ballentyne 06 Ales Zielinski 06 Nathan Dubreuil 05 Ryan Hackett  DEFENCE:    The Wildcats' defence revolves around quarterback Etienne Morin. The Wildcats also have a     multitude of former 1st round draft picks on their D that include Olivier Boutin, Adam Fortier-  Gendron and Natan Grenier. On paper, they have one of the best groups of young defencemen  in the league.   Update: The Wildcats selected 2006 D Ales Zielinski of Czechia with the 35th pick overall in  the CHL Import draft. Zielinski signed for the coming season on July 27.  Notes:  2003 D Olivier Boutin was acquired in a trade from Gatineau by way of Acadie-Bathurst in  which the Wildcats gave up the 20th overall pick in this year's draft. He is expected to add  stability, toughness and leadership to the Wildcats blueline. Boutin had been a 1st round  pick (13th) by Gatineau in the 2019 draft.  2007 D Benjamin Damphousse is the son of former Wildcats' goalie JF Damphousse.  2006 D Adam Fortier-Gendron was last season's Wildcats 1st round pick (14th). He had a  solid rookie season with the Wildcats and should challenge for top four minutes this season.  2005 D Natan Grenier had a solid rookie season with the Wildcats. He had been a 1st round  pick of the Sea Dogs (19th) in the 2021 draft.  2005 D Ryan Hackett had a strong season in Junior A with the Campbellton Tigers. He also  got into 2 games with the Wildcats including a playoff game. He could be a bit of a surprise  in camp.  2007 D Ben Lindsay was drafted in the 5th round of this year's draft. He's very big and mobile  and I was surprised not to see him picked earlier. He was named to the NSU18 All-Rookie  team.  2005 D Etienne Morin is coming off a stellar season in which he led all QMJHL D-men in goals  (21) and elevated  himself into a projected 2nd round pick on several lists heading towards  the 2023 NHL draft.  2006 D Jake Prince was added to the training camp roster on July 17th. He was originally a  draft pick of Cape Breton (2022-12-210).

FORWARDS

Caleb Desnoyers and Shawn Carrier LEFT WING CENTER RIGHT WING 04 Yoan Loshing         03 Connor Trenholm 04 Thomas Auger    05 Julius Sumpf 04 Miles Mueller 05 Vincent Collard 06 Gabe Smith      05 Preston Lounsbury    05 Alex Mercier 07 Shawn Carrier 07 Caleb Desnoyers 06 Sebastien Glas 06 Sidney Deslauriers  06 Riley Sampson  FORWARDS:    The Wildcats have a good group of returning forwards with a lot of speed and scoring. They   will need to shuffle a few players around by position with a lack of depth on left wing, but  most players these days can easily switch back and forth without missing a beat.    First round draft picks Caleb Desnoyers (1st) and Shawn Carrier (6th) are expected to make  the team out of camp and it might make it even easier because they were familiar with each  other before the draft.    If anything, the Wildcats will need to sort things out in training camp as far as the 20 year-  old situation as well as juggling to get the right mix.  Notes:  2003 LW Maxim Barbashev was reportedly traded to Shawinigan on June 22 in a deal that  would be finalized in August for two undisclosed draft picks. He remains listed on the Wildcats  training camp roster on the league website but is not expected to return. Update: The trade  was completed on August 1.  Update: 2005 LW Cole Bishop was not on the official training camp list on August 15.     2007 LW Shawn Carrier was drafted in the 1st round (6th) and is expected to make the jump  this season. He brings a good mix of speed and scoring. You can tell by the way he acted at  the draft that he's thrilled to be in Moncton.  2006 LW Justin Dumais is the younger brother of Jordan Dumais of the Mooseheads. Edit:   Dumais was loaned to Gatineau for training camp. If he does not make the team, he will be  returned to the Wildcats protected list.  2006 LW Cole Eiserman is a member of the US National Team Development Program and is  commited to the University of Minnesota for the 2024-25 season.  2006 LW Neka Jean is the son of Frantz Jean. He left the Shattuck St. Mary's program in mid-  season and joined the Moncton Flyers.  2005 LW Luke McPhee could be hard pressed to stick with the team this season. He's a good  team player, but only had 1 goal in 41 games last season. Update: Luke McPhee was loaned  to Cape Breton for training camp on July 20.  2004 LW Jake Rozzi is committed to the Madison Capitols of the USHL for the coming season.  2005 LW Julius Sumpf was added to the training camp roster on July 3rd. He was named one  of the top three German players at the World U18 (Hlinka-Gretzky Cup) tournament. He holds  dual citizenship with Germany and Canada and will not take up an import spot with the Wild-  cats.  2007 C Caleb Desnoyers was drafted 1st overall and is viewed as a complete player who will  be able to step in and play right away. He plays a similar style to older brother Elliot.  2005 C Preston Lounsbury had a really good rookie season and established himself as a  player who can play up or down the roster and add depth scoring. He surprised me with his  skills last year. He has games where he looks like the best player on the ice.  2004 C Cameron Lund is already playing NCAA hockey with Northeastern University.  2004 C Ben Mercer had a big season in Junior A with Pictou County and was named the MHL  Rookie of the Year. He got into 2 games with the Wildcats as well, but heading into his 19  year-old season, and with so many top kids on the roster, it will be a tough haul to make the  opening night roster this year. As Bill Riley says though - "don't say can't - because you can."  Update: Mercer was not on the official training camp list on August 15.  2006 C Riley Sampson got into 7 games with the Wildcats last season (7-0-1-1-2). He's a big  boy who likes to give more than receive and isn't a bad skater. The coaches might not want  to cut him when it comes down to the crunch.  2006 Gabe Smith surprised by not only sticking as a 16 year-old, but by his physical play and  depth scoring. In the playoffs against Halifax, you could gauge a bit how effective he was.  I'm going to guess that he's used on the left side from looking at the roster, but just a guess.  2005 RW Vincent Collard was picked up in a trade with Baie-Comeau. He was drafted 3rd over  -all by the Drakkar in the 2021 draft. He should step right into a top six role with the Wildcats.  2006 RW Gavin Cornforth commited to Boston College on July 15th.  2003 RW Alexis Daniel is the Wildcats' captain and a local, so many think he will be back as  a 20 year-old. It will be a tough call for the coaches with Daniel, Trenholm, Boutin and Oscar  Plandowski vying for the three overage spots. Update: Daniel was dropped from the training  camp roster on August 18th. He has asked not to be traded and will likely play Junior A.  Update: Daniel joined the West Kent Steamers of the MHL on September 10th.  2006 RW Sidney Deslauriers got into a game with the Wildcats last season and scored a goal.  2006 RW Sebastian Glas was selected by the Wildcats with their 2nd choice in the CHL Import  draft in July from Czechia. Update: Both Glas and Ales Zielinski signed for the coming season  on July 27.  2006 RW William Gosselin led HEO U18 in goals (40), assists (63) and points (103) this past  season and was added to the training camp roster in June.  2006 RW Vincent Legare was traded to Sherbrooke on August 25th.  2005 RW Isaiah Parent scored at a point per game with Lac St-Louis. He also got into a game  with the Wildcats. He's another young player who will be coming to camp looking to crack the  roster. Update: Parent was traded to Gatineau on August 27th.  Update: 2004 C Jonas Taibel was removed from the training camp roster on June 22, along  with Justin Dumais. Taibel shows to be playing in the Swiss League with the SC Rapperswil-  Jona Lakers next season (Elite Prospects).

* These offseason looks at QMJHL teams will be updated as often as required leading up to training camps in August.

[JPA]

IN THE SYSTEM - MONCTON WILDCATS

Drafted QMJHL: Moncton (2023-1-1)   Me 1   CSR 1   HP 1   2007 CALEB DESNOYERS, St-Hyacinthe Gaulois 6'1" - 165 lbs. Centre: Shoots L SEASON TEAM / LEAGUE GP G A PTS. PIM 2021-22 Ecole Fadette QM15AAA  26   19   27    46   34 2022-23 St-Hyacinthe QM18AAA  42  23  30   53   44    “Caleb is a developing and improving left-handed center. His hockey sense, anticipation and  vision are all above average. He has a good shot that we would like to see him use more  often. He’s also an excellent passer and playmaker, who pays attention to even the most  minor details.” - Pierre Cholette, Director of CSR Scouting    Caleb Desnoyers comes with a full tool box. He is the younger brother of Elliot and plays  with a very similar style. Skating and playmaking are his strongest points, but he can also  score goals and he plays a very strong 200 foot game.    He finished 4th in scoring in the QM15AAA league last season, just 2 points out of 2nd place  behind runaway leader, Shawn Carrier.    This season, he finished 3rd in QU18AAA scoring as a 15 year-old trailing only Nathan  Lecompte and Antoine Fontaine. He formed a potent 1-2 scoring punch on the Gaulois with  LW Emile Guite who is also projected to go early in the draft.    He's a really nice player to watch with his fluid skating. He also has a bit of a combative  nature and likes to engage. He has good size and can both score and set up plays. It's a  pretty good mix.    Earlier in the season, Caleb seemed to be the clear favourite to go 1st overall, but a few  other players have closed the gap a bit. From my own perspective, he's the safest choice at  number 1. He's a franchise player. The fans will likely be very happy wherever he lands. He  has a style reminiscent of a young Gilbert Perreault.

Drafted QMJHL: Moncton (2023-1-6)   Me 10   CSR 8   HP 10 2007 SHAWN CARRIER, Trois-Rivieres Estacades 5'9" - 161 lbs. Centre: Shoots L SEASON TEAM / LEAGUE GP G A PTS. PIM 2021-22 Mauricie Estacades QM15AAA a; b; c   24   31*   32*    63*   11 2022-23 Trois-Rivieres QM18AAA  40  16  18   34     8 a - Led league in goals (31).   b - Led league in assists (32).  c - Led league in points (63).    “His toolbox is full. He’s a great skater, has a good shot, and there’s a lot of rigour in his  game. He has the potential to be a complete player with a skating stride that is better than  average. In my mind, Shawn has the talent to play at the major junior level next year,  there’s no doubt. He also has the talent to play at the professional level if he matures  physically. The path is wide open for him to continue playing hockey for a long time.”  - Remi Royer, Trois-Rivieres head coach    Shawn is an intense forward with great offensive skills. A gifted and creative player, he has  been selected to represent Team Quebec at the 2023 Canada Games. He has good vision and  knows how to use it to his advantage to generate scoring chances for both himself and his  teammates. He also has an above average hockey sense and an excellent work ethic. All of  these qualities make him one of the top prospects to keep an eye on as the draft approaches.  - Jean-Pierre Belzil, CSR Scout    Shawn Carrier is one of the best skaters in the 2023 QMJHL draft class. He's always moving  at top speed and likes to carry the puck. He has been a top scorer at every level and has  been one of the most highly touted 2007 born players for a few years.    He ran away with the QU15AAA scoring title last season with 63 points, a full 16 points in  front of LF Belanger and Philippe Veilleux who tied for 2nd with 47 points. When you factor in  that he had missed 6 games of the 30 game schedule, it was an outstanding individual  accomplishment.    He took awhile to adjust to U18, but had a strong finish to the season and had a very good  showing at the Canada Games (6-4-4-8-4).  Shawn finished 2nd in scoring at the final leg of the QMJHL Cup (4-4*-2-6-2).

Drafted QMJHL: Moncton (2022-3-53)  Me 112  CSR 76 2006  SIDNEY DESLAURIERS, Saint-Eustache U18 5'10" - 163 lbs. Right Wing: Shoots R SEASON TEAM / LEAGUE GP G A PTS. PIM 2019-20 Nord Selects QBAAA  25   14     9    23   26 2020-21 Nord Selects QBAAA   -    -    -     -    - 2021-22 Nord Selects QM17E  27  17  14   31   18 2021-22 Saint-Eustache Vikings QM18AAA   10    2    1     3     4 2021-22 Team White QMJHL Cup    4    0    1     1     0 2022-23 Saint-Eustache Vikings QM18AAA  42  14  14   28   16    Sidney Deslauriers is an average sized right wing who is a bit of a hard read. He began the   season in U17 before joining the Saint-Eustache Vikings for the second half of the season  and has very limited game video available. What's there is very poor quality and you need  to really search for him on the ice.    He plays a good 200 foot game and has shown he's a goal scorer at other levels. He's  quick on the forecheck and can force turnovers, but for the most part, he does everything  well - but nothing really spectacular that makes him stand out amongst the other players.    He didn't get a lot of TOI (11:14) with the Vikings. He put 67% of his shot attempts on  goal and won 49% of his puck battles. He can get a good shot away when he has an oppor-  tunity and likes to patrol the slot.    Sidney put up an assist in 4 games at the QMJHL Cup, but took a back seat to the more  highly ranked prospects. He'll probably make a lot of progress this year after half a season  at the higher level.  Update: The above profile was put together a year ago leading up to the 2022 QMJHL draft.  Sidney returned to U18 with Saint-Eustache and put up respectable 14-14-28 totals in 42  games. He also got into a game with the Wildcats and scored his 1st QMJHL goal.

Drafted QMJHL: Moncton (2023-5-86)   Drafted MHL: Pictou County (2023-2-24)   Me 57   CSR 67   HP 61 2007 BEN LINDSAY, Cole Harbour Wolfpack 6'2" - 175 lbs. Defence: Shoots L SEASON TEAM / LEAGUE GP G A PTS. PIM 2020-21 ACA Rangers NSU15MHL  25     2     2      4     8 2021-22 ACA Rangers NSU15MHL  33     6   18    24   14 2022-23 Cole Harbour NSU18MHL  32    4  19   23   24    Ben Lindsay is a big, mobile defenceman who looks after his own end first. He's an above    average skater and can lug the puck when there is open ice. He holds the point well and gets  a lot of shots on goal. He's been putting up some points consistently over the past two  seasons. He has that raw-boned, hard-nosed element, that often accompanies character.  He's very sturdy and wins the majority of his puck battles. I project him to become a top  four QMJHL D-man. His offensive upside shouldn't be overlooked. He could eventually prove  to be a steal in the late 3rd or early 4th round.

CHL Import Draft: Moncton (2023-1-35) 2006  ALES ZIELINSKI, HC Ocelari Trencin 6'1" - 187 lbs. Defence: Shoots R SEASON TEAM / LEAGUE GP G A PTS. PIM 2021-22 AZ Havirov U17  37     3     9    12   26 2021-22 Czechia U16 International    7     0     3      3     0 2022-23 HC Ocelari Trinec U17   17    5    9   14   12 2022-23 HC Ocelari Trinec U20  12    1    3     4     6 2022-23 Czechia U17 International (All)     9    0    1     1     6    "Ales Zielinski is a smooth skating, puck moving defenceman. He has strong leadership        skills and was the captain of his team. He should be able to step in and help stabilize our  defence with his puck moving skills and skating." - Wildcats' GM Ritchie Thibeau    Watching some of his available game vid, Ales (Alex) is very mobile and holds the point  well. He has a nice shot and finds a lane. He has really good size for a 16 year-old and a  lot of offensive upside. He played on the same Ocelari Trencin team as Jakub Maruna who  the Cape Breton Eagles selected with the 23rd pick overall in the import draft. Ales is  expected at training camp.

[JPA]

2023-07-11
Moncton to host the 2024 QMJHL Draft presented by Fenplast
byLHJMQ/QMJHL

Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) Commissioner Mario Cecchini announced today that the Moncton Wildcats will host the 2024 QMJHL Entry Draft presented by Fenplast. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Avenir Centre earlier this morning.

After successfully bringing back the in-person Entry Draft in in Sherbrooke last June, the Commissioner underlined the importance of the event for young hockey prospects and their families.

“The draft marks the beginning of a new chapter for these talented athletes,” mentioned Mario Cecchini. “It is a great opportunity to connect with the people who will be supporting them both on and off the ice throughout their major junior careers. It is the perfect way to welcome them into the QMJHL family.”

Scheduled for June 8, the 2024 edition will mark the second time the Wildcats organization has hosted the QMJHL Entry Draft, with the previous event held at their former arena, the Moncton Coliseum, back in 2009. The Avenir Centre, the franchise’s new home since 2018, will provide a magnificent setting for the prospects that hear their names called by the league’s different teams.

“With the support of Events Moncton, we are proud to once again be chosen to host the QMJHL Entry Draft in Moncton,” said Robert K. Irving, President of the Moncton Wildcats. “We’re looking forward to next season as we’ll not only host the draft, but also the 2024 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game. It promises to be an exciting year for our fans and the community.”

Excellent visibility for the City of Moncton

Hosting the QMJHL Entry Draft brings significant economic benefits and media exposure to the host community. Prospects, their families, and media personnel will travel to Moncton for the event, enhancing the city’s visibility.

“We look forward to welcoming these young players and their families to Moncton for this pivotal moment in their athletic careers,” says Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold. “We are delighted the Moncton Wildcats have the opportunity to play host to the QMJHL Entry Draft in 2024. The Wildcats are a unique part of our community, both off and on the ice, and we are excited to greet these new players who will go on to make their own important contributions to communities across the Maritimes and Quebec.”

In addition to showcasing the city’s hospitality, Moncton aims to ensure that visitors have an enjoyable experience during their stay for the event.

“Events Moncton is honoured to partner with the Moncton Wildcats to host the QMJHL Draft in June 2024,” says Bill Whalen, Events Moncton Co-Chair. “This prestigious event is an exciting time in the lives of so many young men and their families as they hear their name called for a chance to show off their hockey skills in the Q. You can be assured the entire city looks forward to welcoming all our visitors. The Avenir Centre and the surrounding Downtown Place will be alive with music and fun for our visitors and locals alike as we roll out traditional Maritime hospitality.”

[JPA]

Both CHL Import draft picks, D Ales Zielinski and RW Sebastian Glas signed with the Wildcats for the coming season on July 27.

All 18 rosters and depth charts have been updated today.

[JPA]

2023-08-01 MONCTON Barbashev, Maxim (2003-12-18) and Pulice, Francesco (2006-11-02) to SHAWINIGAN RD_3, 2024; RD_8, 2024 (MON)