Rick Melanson joins the team as Assistant Director of Hockey Operations
MONCTON N.B. – The Moncton Wildcats are excited to announce a new addition to the Hockey Operations staff; Rick Melanson will be joining the club as Assistant Director of Hockey Operations.
Born and raised in Moncton N.B., Rick has spent nearly 30 years in the hockey industry, helping to scout talent and develop young players. Rick began his career in the QMJHL during the 1995-1996 season with the Saint-Hyacinthe Laser (now Rouyn-Noranda Huskies). Following that first year, the Rimouski Océanic joined the league and were looking for a scout on the East Coast; Rick’s name was brought forward and from that point on he was with the team for the next 26 years as their Head Maritime Division Scout.
“We are very excited to have Rick join our team,” added Director of Hockey Operations, Ritchie Thibeau. “Rick has many years of experience in the QMJHL as a scout, and I have always admired his passion for scouting. I look forward to working closely with Rick to bring a championship here to Moncton.”
Rick joins the organization with unmatched experience and knowledge of the QMJHL. He has been part of so many young hockey player’s success stories, and has been an instrumental piece in helping to showcase Maritime talent in the league. He has seen many players pass through the ranks of journey hockey and onto the NHL, such as Ryane Clowe, a free agent invite he recruited to the Océanic, and of course the most notable name in Rimouski’s history, Sidney Crosby.
“I truly enjoyed my time in Rimouski, but I am so excited to be a part of the Wildcats organization,” stated Melanson. “I am excited to continue scouting, as well as being part of the day-to-day operations of the team. Working with Ritchie and the rest of the coaching staff, as well as getting to work with the players is something I am really looking forward to.”
Aside from hockey, Rick has been a teacher for 32 years at Harrison Trimble High School. He will be retiring after this school year to move to this full time role with the team. Rick, along with his family are all very excited about this transition to the Wildcats. “My wife Sue, along with my children, Julie and Chris are all very excited for me,” added Melanson. “My parents as well, they have been following Rimouski for all these years and are now looking forward to watching me take on this new role as part of the hometown team.”
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