The teams in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League are now in the final third of regular season play with the top teams gearing for a run at the League championship. The Moncton Wildcats are one of at least five teams considered to have a chance to hoist the Presidents Cup in mid May.
Despite a first half filled with injuries, the Wildcats, with dogged determination and extraordinary hard work, kept themselves in contention. In many games prior to the Christmas break, the Cats played with as many as seven of their regular line-up being scratched due to a variety of injuries.
Then on December 17th, 2009, the fortunes of the Wildcats took a decided turn for the better. The team announced the return of Nicola Riopel, the outstanding goaltender who last year captured the Q’s MVP award. Rio had been drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in June but was sent back to Major Junior Hockey for more seasoning. He brings talent, experience and a winning attitude to the Cats.
In an interview with me, after the trading period ended, Director of Hockey Operations and Head Coach Danny Flynn told me, Rio’s returned signified the beginning of a change in the plans of the team for this season. The Wildcats organization had been expected to have a clear shot at the league title next year but the return of an outstanding netminder, set in motion a whole new series of thoughts about this season.
With the strongest defensive corps in the Q again this year, the decision makers in the organization had to consider a number of possibilities. What if David Savard, Mark Barberio and high ranked draft pick Brandon Gormley made it to the pros next season. That would leave the blueline of the Wildcats in serious jeopardy.
So the race was on. The trade period brought several major moves to strengthen the Wildcats offensively and make them a legitimate contender this year. Gabriel Bourque of Baie-Comeau was the first acquisition, an outstanding two way player who had made it to the Team Canada National Junior team. Then came Nicolas Deschamps, captain of the Chicoutimi Sageueens who scored his first goal for the Wildcats, 19 seconds into his first shift, prompting coach Flynn to ask, “What took you so long?”
In the final hours of the trading period, Kelsey Tessier, another great two way player was acquired from Quebec. Flynn got Newfoundland native Alex Wall from the Montreal Junior and Tyler Metcalfe from Halifax to add even more depth to on defense.
With Kirill Kabanov expected back in the line up in mid-February and Simon Jodoin returning from a shoulder injury, in my opinion the Wildcats are a stronger team than the group that took them to the Memorial Cup final four years ago.
Danny Flynn has said there’s a difference assembling talent and assembling a team. I’m convinced a winning team will be assembled. It’s fair to ask why I say that. A few days ago I was watching the Cats wrap-up a tough practice. At the end of the 90 minute workout, the players gathered by their bench and let loose an ear splitting cheer. I had not heard that since the spring of 2006. Call it chemistry, call it team unity, call it determination, for me it’s called a winning spirit. That’s what exists with the Moncton Wildcats and the proof will be evident in May.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Friday, October 2, 2009
Blogs from the Broadcast Booth - Les Stoodley
The Wildcats use the slogan, "Your Community Team" and it is accurate to a fault. When it comes to community involvement and exposure the best example would be team Mascot, Wild Willie, who makes appearances at dozens of events in the South-Eastern New Brunswick area every month. The fury, fun character, who by the way has a new look this season, brings laughter and joy the faces of sick children. Willie poses for hundreds of photos with fans and lifts the spirit of the team at the Coliseum. Knowing Willie is know happiness.
Then there's the support of local charities through many partnerships.
The 50/50 draw is a cooperative venture between the Lewisville-Sunny Brae Lions Club and the Wildcats. Last year over $8,000.00 was raised to support the Moncton Food Depot Alimintaire.Every home game the Lions volunteer their time selling tickets and fans benefit. So far this year fans have won over $11,000.00 in the 50/50 draw.
At each game there's the Cats Corner, where area non-profit groups get 20 tickets purchased by the Greater Moncton Progress Club. This partnership was formed a couple of years ago and was conceived by Chris Morehouse, a New Brunswick native, who went on to captain the Wildcats. Hundreds of fans, who would perhaps not otherwise see the Cats play benfit from this program.
Next weekend the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation will benefit from the "Pink in the Rink" weekend. For the games Lewiston and Halifax, the Wildcats will wear pink and white jerseys and socks which will be auctioned after the games. Last year's effort was an overwhelming success and it's interesting to note that all 18 teams in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League will participate in this year's program.
Since October has dawned on us, its not to soon to mention the annual Teddy Bear Toss, where fans bring hundreds of stuffed toys which go to children in our area hospitals at Christmas time.
Finally, my favorite Community event. The Remembrance day tribute to our veterans which will take place this year on Friday, November 6th. Each year I have the unique honour of reciting "In Flanders Fields." It is a moment I cherish since it provides me the opportunity to, in a small way, remember and salute those who paid the ultimate price in battle. It also allows me to pay tribute to the women and men, who preserved freedom, one of whom was my uncle Tom Crews who served with distinction in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II.
A "Community Team" the Wildcats are indeed.
Then there's the support of local charities through many partnerships.
The 50/50 draw is a cooperative venture between the Lewisville-Sunny Brae Lions Club and the Wildcats. Last year over $8,000.00 was raised to support the Moncton Food Depot Alimintaire.Every home game the Lions volunteer their time selling tickets and fans benefit. So far this year fans have won over $11,000.00 in the 50/50 draw.
At each game there's the Cats Corner, where area non-profit groups get 20 tickets purchased by the Greater Moncton Progress Club. This partnership was formed a couple of years ago and was conceived by Chris Morehouse, a New Brunswick native, who went on to captain the Wildcats. Hundreds of fans, who would perhaps not otherwise see the Cats play benfit from this program.
Next weekend the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation will benefit from the "Pink in the Rink" weekend. For the games Lewiston and Halifax, the Wildcats will wear pink and white jerseys and socks which will be auctioned after the games. Last year's effort was an overwhelming success and it's interesting to note that all 18 teams in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League will participate in this year's program.
Since October has dawned on us, its not to soon to mention the annual Teddy Bear Toss, where fans bring hundreds of stuffed toys which go to children in our area hospitals at Christmas time.
Finally, my favorite Community event. The Remembrance day tribute to our veterans which will take place this year on Friday, November 6th. Each year I have the unique honour of reciting "In Flanders Fields." It is a moment I cherish since it provides me the opportunity to, in a small way, remember and salute those who paid the ultimate price in battle. It also allows me to pay tribute to the women and men, who preserved freedom, one of whom was my uncle Tom Crews who served with distinction in the Royal Canadian Navy during World War II.
A "Community Team" the Wildcats are indeed.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Blogs from the Broadcast Booth - Les Stoodley
Wasn't it just a couple of weeks ago we were trudging out of the J. Louis Levesque as the Wildcats ended their season losing to Rimouski? Hard to believe it was April 10th when the Oceanic won game five 1-0 to take the series four games to one.
A lot has changed in the past five months. There have been awards for the Wildcats, especially to Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Danny Flynn, who was named coach of the year in the QMJHL. Goaltender Nicola Riopel was justly named the League's MVP for his amazing 2.01 goals against average during the regular season. The Cats won the Robert Lebel Trophy for their outstanding defensive play allowing only 149 goals against in a 68 game schedule. The players and coaching staff could look back on the season with a pride and optimism for the new season. Brandon Gormley and Louis Domingue starred for Team Canada in the under-18 tournament in the Czech Republic in August.
Training camp presented, as Coach Flynn called it, "the best group of rookies I've seen in a long time." It was a difficult call to let some of the young players go back for another year of seasoning or be told they wouldn't be making the team. There were the pleasant surprises shown especially by the Saulnier twins of Cape Pele. Allain and Alex had a great exhibition series run. Allain scored his first Q goal in the season opener in Charlottetown last Friday night.
Now the season is underway. The Wildcats go into Home Opening Weekend with a 1-1 record after a hard fought 2-1 over the Titan, Sunday afternoon in Bathurst.
Home Opening weekend promises to be three days of entertainment and heavy duty hockey. Two Tail Gate Parties in the Coliseum Parking lot, one Friday afternoon starting at 5, the other Sunday getting underway at 2. Saturday is Cats Cup Day on Main Street along with the formal introduction of the team, autograph signing and a Bar-B-Q at the Farmers Market at noon.
Friday's game will give fans their first look at the team many predict will be in the top 10 across the country and should repeat as Atlantic Division champions. However, predictions don't win hockey games, the players and coaches do. If preparation is a measuring stick, the Wildcats are ready and looking for a level of redemption when they face the Rocket, who've lifted off to a fast start with two wins in their opening games.
The opening game at the Coliseum may not show the depth of the Wildcats with Mark Barberio, David Savard and Scott Brannon at NHL camps but it will show, a faster team than last year, with some sharp shooting rookies, out to prove they belong in the Q. It augers well for the season ahead. I'm looking forward to a great season and to having you join us on News 91.9 as we call the home and away games.
A lot has changed in the past five months. There have been awards for the Wildcats, especially to Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Danny Flynn, who was named coach of the year in the QMJHL. Goaltender Nicola Riopel was justly named the League's MVP for his amazing 2.01 goals against average during the regular season. The Cats won the Robert Lebel Trophy for their outstanding defensive play allowing only 149 goals against in a 68 game schedule. The players and coaching staff could look back on the season with a pride and optimism for the new season. Brandon Gormley and Louis Domingue starred for Team Canada in the under-18 tournament in the Czech Republic in August.
Training camp presented, as Coach Flynn called it, "the best group of rookies I've seen in a long time." It was a difficult call to let some of the young players go back for another year of seasoning or be told they wouldn't be making the team. There were the pleasant surprises shown especially by the Saulnier twins of Cape Pele. Allain and Alex had a great exhibition series run. Allain scored his first Q goal in the season opener in Charlottetown last Friday night.
Now the season is underway. The Wildcats go into Home Opening Weekend with a 1-1 record after a hard fought 2-1 over the Titan, Sunday afternoon in Bathurst.
Home Opening weekend promises to be three days of entertainment and heavy duty hockey. Two Tail Gate Parties in the Coliseum Parking lot, one Friday afternoon starting at 5, the other Sunday getting underway at 2. Saturday is Cats Cup Day on Main Street along with the formal introduction of the team, autograph signing and a Bar-B-Q at the Farmers Market at noon.
Friday's game will give fans their first look at the team many predict will be in the top 10 across the country and should repeat as Atlantic Division champions. However, predictions don't win hockey games, the players and coaches do. If preparation is a measuring stick, the Wildcats are ready and looking for a level of redemption when they face the Rocket, who've lifted off to a fast start with two wins in their opening games.
The opening game at the Coliseum may not show the depth of the Wildcats with Mark Barberio, David Savard and Scott Brannon at NHL camps but it will show, a faster team than last year, with some sharp shooting rookies, out to prove they belong in the Q. It augers well for the season ahead. I'm looking forward to a great season and to having you join us on News 91.9 as we call the home and away games.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Blogs from the Broadcast Booth - Les Stoodley
There are times when life throws us a gutwrenching surprise. Such was the case when the Donnie Matheson died on December 17th.
I came to know Donnie through his work with the Wildcats. I was impressed with his willingness to help our broadcasts. He never refused to do an interview or share information that could be passed on to the fans.
I was deeply honoured when General Manager Bill Schurman asked me to do a tribute before the Friday night game against Lewiston. Several people, who know me well, noticed that as I stood at centre ice, reading what I'd written earlier in the day, my hands shook. That was true because like many people associated with the Wildcats, I had lost a friend. I felt his loss and like many other friends, will miss him.
I thought it would be fitting to share the tribute with those of you who read my blog.
The outstanding contribution of some people can sometimes be lost in anonymity. Such was the case with the Wildcats Director of Recruiting, Donnie Matheson, who sadly left us suddenly in his sleep early yesterday morning at his Halifax home.
Born in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Donnie moved to Dartmouth in 1974. His scouting began with the Sherbrooke Beavers in the QMJHL`. He moved on to the Ontario Hockey League where he worked with Belleville. His next team was the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds where he scouted for his good friends Danny Flynn and Ted Nolan building three Memorial Cup winning teams. When the Halifax Mooseheads franchise was established in 1994, Donnie Matheson was named its chief scout.
Donnie’s role with the Moncton Wildcats was identifying and recruiting young talented players who would help us build Memorial Cup championship teams.
With a strong sense of his Maritime roots, Donnie had a special place in his heart for local players. Donnie was the highly valued Maritime Provinces scout with the Bruins for 15 years and was instrumental in directing Wildcats and other QMJHL players to the Boston organization.
Those who had the joy of knowing Donnie came to appreciate his intellect, his hockey knowledge, his ability to spot talent and his persuasiveness in promoting young and developing careers. We also came know his contagious sense of humor and willingness to help all of us make the Wildcats -champions.
On behalf of the Wildcats organization, we extend to his wife Jane, the members of his immediate family and his countless friends from in and out of the hockey world, our deepest condolences. We ask you to observe a moment of silence to honor, Donnie Matheson, a man dedicated to hockey, the Wildcats and the joy of winning in our game.
Donnie Matheson will always be a Wildcat!
I came to know Donnie through his work with the Wildcats. I was impressed with his willingness to help our broadcasts. He never refused to do an interview or share information that could be passed on to the fans.
I was deeply honoured when General Manager Bill Schurman asked me to do a tribute before the Friday night game against Lewiston. Several people, who know me well, noticed that as I stood at centre ice, reading what I'd written earlier in the day, my hands shook. That was true because like many people associated with the Wildcats, I had lost a friend. I felt his loss and like many other friends, will miss him.
I thought it would be fitting to share the tribute with those of you who read my blog.
The outstanding contribution of some people can sometimes be lost in anonymity. Such was the case with the Wildcats Director of Recruiting, Donnie Matheson, who sadly left us suddenly in his sleep early yesterday morning at his Halifax home.
Born in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Donnie moved to Dartmouth in 1974. His scouting began with the Sherbrooke Beavers in the QMJHL`. He moved on to the Ontario Hockey League where he worked with Belleville. His next team was the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds where he scouted for his good friends Danny Flynn and Ted Nolan building three Memorial Cup winning teams. When the Halifax Mooseheads franchise was established in 1994, Donnie Matheson was named its chief scout.
Donnie’s role with the Moncton Wildcats was identifying and recruiting young talented players who would help us build Memorial Cup championship teams.
With a strong sense of his Maritime roots, Donnie had a special place in his heart for local players. Donnie was the highly valued Maritime Provinces scout with the Bruins for 15 years and was instrumental in directing Wildcats and other QMJHL players to the Boston organization.
Those who had the joy of knowing Donnie came to appreciate his intellect, his hockey knowledge, his ability to spot talent and his persuasiveness in promoting young and developing careers. We also came know his contagious sense of humor and willingness to help all of us make the Wildcats -champions.
On behalf of the Wildcats organization, we extend to his wife Jane, the members of his immediate family and his countless friends from in and out of the hockey world, our deepest condolences. We ask you to observe a moment of silence to honor, Donnie Matheson, a man dedicated to hockey, the Wildcats and the joy of winning in our game.
Donnie Matheson will always be a Wildcat!
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