Wildcats & Drakkar Renew Playoff Rivalry in Round 2
April 10, 2025 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Moncton Wildcats News Release
The Wildcats & Drakkar will meet again in a post-season battle with everything on the line. The 2 teams have faced off 3 previous times; all in Round 1. Every series has gone the distance with the Cats prevailing each time - 2004 - MON 3 BAC 2, 2019 - MON 4 BAC 3, and 2023 - MON 4 BAC 3 on a Max Barbashev Game 7 OT winner.
The Wildcats (53-9-2-0, 108 pts) enter Round 2 after 4-game sweep of the Remparts but it wasn't an east feat - three 1-goal games, including 2 OT victories.
High-ranked NHL draft prospect Caleb Desnoyers has led the way for the Cats with 8 points (2G, 6A) in 4 games. Big Gabe Smith has had the hot hand around the net with 4 goals and 2 assists. Etienne Morin (1G, 5A) and Dyllan Gill (1G, 4A) have chipped in from the blue line.
The Cats keepers - Mathis Rousseau & Rudy Guimond - have formed a formidable tandem so far in the Playoffs, and down the final stretch of the regular season. The duo shared the 4 Round 1 wins, 2 each, in alternating starts.
Cats winger Juraj Pekarcik has had the Drakkar's number this season with 3 goals in the two regular season matchups. Pekarcik potted the winner in a 2-1 Cats win on NOV 10, and added a pair of goals in a 5-3 Cats win 2 weeks later on NOV 23.
The 2024-2025 Drakkar (36-23-4-1, 77 Pts) entered the Playoffs as the 4th seed in the East, and finished 7th overall in league play. Baie-Comeau are coming off a 6-game series win over #5 Cape Breton. When you add in a 5-OT game 5, the Drakkar technically played more than 7 games in Round 1!
Winger Justin Gendron (4G, 2A) & NYR prospect Raoul Boilald (2G,4A) led the Drakkar in Round 1 scoring with 6 points each. Czech import & NJ Devils draft pick Matyas Melovksy had 5 points versus the Eagles. Melovsky was the leading scorer for the regular season with 83 points (26G, 57A).
The Drakkar are without sniper Justin Poirier, a Carolina Hurricanes draft pick. Poirier (43G, 37A) last played on March 9 and was slated to miss 4 weeks with his injury. He could return shortly to give Baie-Comeau a mid-series boost. Also out is top-scoring defenceman & Kraken prospect Alexis Bernier. Bernier (14G, 32A) last played March 15 and the Drakkar announced he will not play in the Playoffs.
Save on tickets with a Family 4-Pack - 2 adults & 2 youths for $57.64 +tax/fees. Add extra youths for $14.41 each. Available at the Avenir Centre Box Office or ticketmaster.ca.
Take advantage of new 60 Minute Powerplay pricing at the Avenir Centre - $4 hot dogs, $3 Aquafina bottles of water, and $5.75 Moosehead Light & Alpine (355mL cans). The Avenir Centre doors open at 5:30pm - prices in effect for 60 minutes after doors open for the game (5:30 to 6:30pm).
Our 50/50 raffle has a $25,000 jackpot guarantee.
The Moose Light Ice Level Bar will not be set up for this game, as seating will be available behind the net.
THINGS TO KNOW FOR FRIDAY
The 50/50 raffle has a $25,000 Jackpot guarantee. Don't forget to buy your raffle tickets online now or at the game. We accept cash, debit, Visa or Mastercard at the arena.
DJ Psycadelix & Lynden Steeves on the Wildcats organ
Access your season seats or flex tickets through your Ticketmaster Wildcats Account Manager.
Avenir Centre doors open at 5:30pm.
Check out the poster station in the Avenir Centre lobby - kids can make their own signs for the game!
The Roar Store Item of the Game is black CCM t-shirt! - get 20% off!
The Jersey Raffle is for a St. Pats green team-autographed jersey.
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Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from April 10, 2025
- Wildcats & Drakkar Renew Playoff Rivalry in Round 2 - Moncton Wildcats
- Playoff Round 2 Series Preview - Halifax Mooseheads
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