CAPABLE CAT – Lounsbury’s all-around game has been key to Moncton’s success

No matter what rink you step in, there’s always that handful of players you can’t help but cheer for. They may not gain the most notoriety, or lead their team in scoring, but they grab your attention in other ways. Generally, it’s through an honest effort and the ability to succeed in virtually every situation they’re placed in.

For the Moncton Wildcats, one of those players in Preston Lounsbury.

Now in his fourth full season with the Cats, Lounsbury has played up and down the lineup, seen time in one-goal games and blowouts, served the penalty kill and the power play. And, growing up in nearby Salisbury, New Brunswick, he’s doing it all for the team he grew up cheering for.

“Memory-wise, obviously, the Coliseum was a big thing,” Lounsbury says when recalling his days in the stands of the Wildcats former den. “I remember going there to games with my dad or my buddies when I was younger, plus the Timbit Tournament in minor hockey. It was exciting just to say you got to skate on the same ice as the (Wildcats) or doing a little hot lap before a certain game with them. I have pictures with the Saulnier brothers (Alex and Allain). I remember (Conor) Garland and (Ivan) Barbashev when they were here. Now you see them in the NHL but when you look back, as a little kid, going to watch them play and to now have the chance to be a part of that same organization and wear the same jersey that they had on, it’s pretty special. And especially, getting to live at home and do it in front of all my family and friends.”

 

“I’m one of those lucky junior players that had the opportunity.”

 

You create your own opportunities, more often than not. Lounsbury has done that game after game, year after year.

Besides his responsible two-way play and strong hockey sense, he’s no stranger to the front of the net. This year saw Lounsbury earn his first 20-goal campaign. The empty-netter to seal game one of the 2026 Gilles-Courteau Trophy Final was his 200^th career QMJHL point, regular season and playoffs combined. Every assignment he finds himself tasked with is worn like a badge of honor. His Head Coach seems to sense this as well.

 

“Gardiner (MacDougall) calls me a Swiss Army knife,” Lounsbury points out.

 

“It’s kind of a motto we go with. Just to be ready for any situation, and be able to adapt to any kind of situation I’m put in. I’m proud that he can think of me like that. When your teammates and the coaching staff have belief in you to go do anything that’s needed within the group, it speaks volumes. I’ve always had that mindset even away from the rink, too. The people you surround yourself with, the people you try and help, they will always come back to help you. It works anywhere in life. I’m honored to be able to be in any situation possible.”

It’s a group that’s responded well to Lounsbury’s capabilities. And everything else over the past two seasons, for that matter. Entering this year’s Final, the Cats’ second consecutive appearance in the championship round, the team has posted a cumulative two-year record of 133-29-4-2, capturing last year’s playoff title and two regular season championships along the way.

It’s been a tale of two teams, however. With sizeable turnover tempered by the ability to recruit a greater array of talent thanks to new developments between the NCAA and CHL, the Cats have come back as strong as ever. Lounsbury points to one person who was instrumental in this remarkable run.

“It’s something special and obviously it’s a little different with the rule change,” Lounsbury admits. “But realizing how the foundation of the culture was created last year and within the players and staff that were there last year and the way Gardiner approaches things, plus the fact no one really expected us to be where we are right now and, that’s kind of motivation for everybody.”

“Gardiner makes a team come together as one,” he goes on to say. “He makes us all want to accomplish the same goal no matter how long the group has been together. How quick he can make teammates gel, it’s something special. Every guy on this team this year will probably say the same thing. It’s all about the love and the brotherhood. You go to the rink with them every day and you’re almost around them more than your family.”

As Lounsbury and the group he considers his brothers near the end of another memorable season together, the path that took him from fan to draftee to one of the league’s most versatile competitors is an enjoyable one to recall.

“Obviously, you always want to play big minutes and contribute as much as you can,” Lounsbury explains. “I was lucky enough for my first couple of years that (former Wildcats Head Coach) Dan Lacroix gave me tons of opportunities to progress and develop which gave me confidence. There are the personal goals you’ll always have, but the main thing I think is winning and when Gardiner and Taylor came into the group, they shared their approach with things and what they saw in all of us.”

Fans of the Wildcats have seen it all over the last four year as well. And it’s with pride that they’ve seen a guy from just down the road play a key role throughout.