In a thrilling showdown at the Avenir Centre, the Moncton Wildcats kicked off the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) finals with a resounding 4-1 victory over the Rimouski Oceanic on Saturday, May 10, 2025. The Wildcats, aiming for the prestigious Gilles Courteau Trophy, showcased their dominance in front of a sold-out crowd of over 8,500 enthusiastic fans.
Leading the charge for the Wildcats was Juraj Pekarcik, who not only scored a goal but also provided an assist, demonstrating his pivotal role in the team's success. Pekarcik's performance was complemented by goals from Markus Vidicek, Vincent Collard, and Preston Lounsbury, making it a well-rounded offensive effort. The Wildcats outshot the Oceanic decisively, with a staggering 38 shots compared to Rimouski's 14.
Goaltender Mathis Rousseau was a wall in net for Moncton, stopping 13 of the 14 shots he faced, which helped to solidify the Wildcats' early lead. The only goal for the Oceanic came from Maxime Collard, who managed to find the back of the net against the Wildcats' strong defensive play. In contrast, Rimouski's goaltender, Mathis Langevin, faced a barrage of shots, making 34 saves but ultimately unable to keep his team in the game.
The game saw the Wildcats capitalize on their power play opportunities, converting 2 of 3 chances, while the Oceanic struggled to find their rhythm, finishing 0 for 1 on the power play. Moncton established control early, leading 1-0 after the first period and extending their advantage to 3-0 by the end of the second.
As the best-of-seven championship series continues, game two is set to take place on Sunday, May 11, 2025, at 7 pm at the Avenir Centre. This matchup promises to be another exciting contest as both teams vie for an early advantage in the series. Following game two, the series will shift to Rimouski, Quebec, for games three and four on May 14 and May 15, respectively.
The stakes are high as the Wildcats strive to secure their place in QMJHL history by claiming the Gilles Courteau Trophy. With their strong performance in game one, they have set the tone for the series, showcasing both their offensive firepower and defensive resilience. Fans can catch all the action live on TSN as the Wildcats look to build on their momentum and take a commanding lead in the finals.
This series not only highlights the talent present in the QMJHL but also the intense rivalry that has developed between the Wildcats and the Oceanic. With both teams eager to claim the championship, the excitement is palpable as the finals unfold.
As the Wildcats prepare for game two, the focus will undoubtedly be on maintaining their level of play while also addressing any adjustments Rimouski may implement in response to their game one defeat. Will the Wildcats continue their winning ways, or will the Oceanic bounce back to even the series? All eyes will be on the Avenir Centre as the next chapter of this thrilling finals unfolds.
