Cats look to grab another Q Final win on Saturday
The scoring started early in the Q Final opener, and it ended late. With a large, loud home crowd ready for action, the Cats got things going just 20 seconds into the game. Alex Mercier’s thunderous hit on the forecheck eventually led to Caleb Desnoyers’ wrap-around goal and the party was on.
The Wildcats have home-ice advantage and we will put it to use with a WHITEOUT every home game!
Preston Lounsbury (1G, 1A) took a high, blindside hit a few minutes later and Niko Tournas made the Sags pay with a powerplay goal.
Gabe Smith & Desnoyers — they Utah Mammoth-drafted duo — engineered another man advantage marker with the Captain springing the Playoff scoring leader on a breakaway.
The 1st prd ended 3-1 and that would be all the offence the Cats needed. Chicoutimi made it close early in the 2nd and thought they scored to tie the game, before a review confirmed interference on the Cats keeper Guimond.
Two empty-netters — Lounsbury and Smith’s 2nd — sealed the deal and a Game 1 win. Max Vilen finished the game with a +3.
Caleb Desnoyers added to his Wildcats career Playoff points record with a 3-point night — taking him to 53. Right on his heels is red-hot Gabe Smith with 49 points. Smith also recently passed Wildcats legend Conor Garland (45 pts) who now sits in 3rd place.
Chicoutimi will some certainly make some adjustments before the next puck drops. They only took 2 penalties, but it was 2 too many as Moncton scored on both opportunities.
Game 2 goes tonight! Grab a rally towel, wear white, make some noise and help us REPEAT THE ROAR!
Full series schedule:
- Friday, May 8, 7pm – MON 5 CHI 2
- Saturday, May 9, 7pm @ Moncton
- Tuesday, May 12, 8pm AT @ Chicoutimi
- Wednesday, May 13, 8pm AT @ Chicoutimi
- Friday, May 15, 7pm @ Moncton *
- Sunday, May 17, 8pm AT @ Chicoutimi *
- Tuesday, May 19, 7pm @ Moncton *
It’s Playoff season and we’re ready to REPEAT THE ROAR! This year’s team has been as good — or even better — than last years Championship squad & it’s time to secure your seat for another Cup run. Save with Flex Tickets — more info here: 2026 Wildcats Playoff Ticket Packages.
Arrive early & take advantage of 30 Minute Powerplay pricing at the Avenir Centre — $4 hot dogs, $3 Aquafina bottles of water, and $5 Moosehead Light & Alpine (355mL cans), taxes not included. The Avenir Centre doors open at 6pm — prices are in effect for 30 minutes after doors open for the game.
Our 50/50 raffle has a $25,000 jackpot guarantee.
THINGS TO KNOW FOR SATURDAY:
- 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.
- Access your season seats or flex tickets through your Ticketmaster Wildcats Account Manager.
- Group tickets are available for every home game — Call 506-382-5555. Great seats at our best ticket prices for your group of 10+.
- Celebrate your child’s birthday with Wild Willie & the Wildcats and take advantage of special group rates.
- The jersey raffle is for a white game-worn, autographed #86 TOURNAS
- The Rogers Item of the Game is the Bardown coloured cuff sweats — Save 20%!
- The Moose Light Ice Bar will be CLOSED. The lower seats in SEC 110 & 111 will be in place.
Photo: Daniel St. Louis
