After 3 weeks and 5 road games, we're finally back home at the Den to host the 7th place Rimouski Océanic on Saturday night and division rival Charlottetown Islanders on Sunday Funday. Saturday's game appears to be a fairly even matchup on paper, #7 vs #8, as both teams have similar stats and have been playing well.
Rimouski has been the hottest team in the QMJHL lately with 9 wins and only a shootout loss in their last 10 games. The Océanic traded away leading scorer Frédéric Brunet (36GP, 6G, 29A, 35 Pts) on Wednesday but still pack some offensive punch. Twenty year-old William Dumoulin (16G, 18A) and Czech rookie
Jan Sprynar (16G, 12A) lead the way up front.
The Océanic also feature 2 local stars on their blue line -- Moncton-born Simon Maltais (3G, 9A) who played at
Rothesay Netherwood School, and former Moncton Flyer & 2022 Telus Cup Champion Spencer Gill (0G, 3A).
Moncton have won their last 3, successfully finishing up a 5-game road odyssey. December's QMJHL Defenceman of the Month Étienne Morin (35GP, 14G, 26A, 40 Pts) continues to lead the Wildcats offense from the back end. Morin has been a model of consistency with 15 points (5G, 10A) last month and 2 more assists in Cape Breton on Wednesday night. The Cats will rely on their balanced scoring attack of equal parts snipers & playmakers. Vincent Labelle (11G, 25A) and Charles Beaudoin (9G, 24A) spread the puck around while Max Barbashev (18G, 13A) and Yoan Loshing (14G, 16A) provide the finish.
Wildcats goalie Jacob Steinman had a solid December and received Honourable Mention in the running for QMJHL Rookie of the Month
NOTE: We will be honouring Swiss stars Jonas Taibel & Miles Müller who competed in the recent World Junior Hockey Championship in a short pre-game ceremony.
Buy tickets vs RIM:
https://www.ticketmaster.ca/moncton-wildcats-vs-oceanic-de-rimouski-moncton-new-brunswick-01-07-2023/event/31005CD7CC273B4B
Season seat members can donate their unused season tickets to local families throughout the season. Should you wish to donate unused tickets, please bring them to Susan at Guest Services during any home game.
THINGS TO KNOW FOR SATURDAY:
- The 50/50 raffle has a $5,000 Jackpot guarantee. Don't forget to buy your raffle tickets online now or at the game.
- Group tickets are available for every home game by calling Shawn at 506-382-5555. Great seats at our best ticket prices for your group of 10+.
- Our PAL Airlines Family 4-Pack is one of the best family deals you'll find in Moncton -- 2 adults & 2 youths for just $40.40 plus fees. Additional youths just $7.70. Every time you buy one you get a chance to win round-trip airfare for 4 anywhere PAL Airlines flies. Available every home game on Ticketmaster.
- Celebrate your child’s birthday with Wild Willie & the Wildcats and take advantage of special group rates.
- The Rogers Item of the Game at the Roar Store is a navy Wildcats CCM 1/4 zip . Save 15%!
- NEW FOR KIDS! Head to the lobby before the game to make a sign to cheer on the Cats.
- Wildcats players not playing in tonight's game will be signing autographs behind SEC 101 during the 1st intermission.
- Goalie Jacob Steinman will be signing autographs post-game in the lobby.
