Moncton Wildcats
Wikipedia - Moncton Wildcats
The Moncton Wildcats are a Canadian junior ice hockey team in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) based in Moncton, New Brunswick. The franchise was granted for the 1995–96 season, and were known as the Moncton Alpines for one season prior to rebranding as the Wildcats. The team played at the Moncton Coliseum from 1995 until 2018, and moved into the Avenir Centre prior to the 2018–19 season. After winning the 2005–06 QMJHL championship, the team hosted the 2006 Memorial Cup and reached the final game. The Wildcats also won the league championship in 2009–10, which sent the team to compete at the 2010 Memorial Cup in Brandon, Manitoba where they were eliminated from contention after going winless in the round-robin portion of the tournament.
History
This section does not cite any sources. (May 2024) |
The Moncton Alpines joined the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for the 1995–96 season. They played for one season under the ownership of racing driver John Graham and coached by Lucien DeBlois. The franchise was purchased by Robert Irving in May 1996, and renamed to the Moncton Wildcats with new uniforms and logo.
Moncton hosted the 2006 Memorial Cup. The team hired former NHL coach of the year Ted Nolan, and acquired players such as Keith Yandle, and various rookies. The Wildcats finished in first place in the league, going 52-15-0-3 for 107 points and winning the Jean Rougeau Trophy for the first time. The Wildcats defeated the Quebec Remparts to the President's Cup. In the Memorial Cup, Moncton finished second in the round-robin after defeating Peterborough and Vancouver but losing to Quebec. The Wildcats defeated the Giants in the semi-final, but lost to the Remparts 6-2 in the Memorial Cup final.
The Wildcats have a strong fan base and play their home games at the Avenir Centre, a state-of-the-art arena in downtown Moncton. The team has a rich history of success, with multiple division championships and a Memorial Cup victory in 2006.
The Moncton Wildcats are committed to developing young talent and providing an exciting and entertaining experience for their fans. With a winning tradition and a dedication to excellence, the Wildcats are a powerhouse in the QMJHL and a beloved team in the Moncton community.