Halifax Mooseheads fans welcomed rising star Nico Hischier back with open arms on Friday night and the talented forward did not disappoint in helping lead the Herd to a 6-2 thumping of the Moncton Wildcats.

Hischier scored twice and added two assists on a night when the Mooseheads organization recognized him with an award and video presentation following a successful run with Switzerland at the World Junior Hockey Championship.

Meanwhile it was the newly acquired Frederic Aube who earned the first star of the game with two goals and two assists of his own. The 20-year-old defenceman, acquired from Drummondville on Thursday, opened the scoring 8:17 into the game as teddy bears rained from the rafters at Scotiabank Centre. The bears were collected and will be donated to local Ronald McDonald house.

Aube’s night was far from over after the opening goal. He picked up a pair of assists before a late scoring change gave him credit for his second goal of the night which came in the third period. Aube finished with a +5 rating. He says he was thrilled to learn of his trade to the Mooseheads.

“When I used to come to the Maritimes with the Volts it was always fun to play in Halifax. It’s a first class organization and a first class rink. I’m really happy to join the Mooseheads for the remainder of the season.”

The Herd dominated the opening period and led 3-0 after 20 minutes on goals from Aube, Max Fortier and Raphael Lavoie but a bit of a let up in the middle frame let the Wildcats back into the game. Moncton scored back-to-back goals to cut the Halifax lead to 3-2 but the second star Hischier restored a two-goal cushion before the end of the period. Aube and Hischier rounded out the scoring for the Moose in the third.

The win is the second in a row for Halifax and second straight over Moncton which improves the Mooseheads record to 17-18-1-2 and gives the team 37 points on the year. Aube was all smiles after the victory.

“I think it was a good debut. I’ve played a lot of games in this league so I think I can bring my leadership for the rest of the year and help this team grow and get better.”

Arnaud Durandeau was named the third star of the game thanks to his three assists. Max Fortier had a good night on the stats sheet as well with one goal and two assists. Jared McIsaac picked up an assist as his solid play on the blue line continued. The rookie defenceman was on the top pairing with Aube.

Moncton’s goals came from Julien Tessier and Alexandre Renaud. The last place Wildcats fall to 13-24-1-0 on the season and they’ve now lost five in a row. Mooseheads starting goaltender Blade Mann-Dixon made 24 saves while Cats goalie Matthew Waite was busy making 40 saves.

Halifax is back on home ice Saturday afternoon at 4pm as they entertain the Saint John Sea Dogs in a nationally televised game on Sportsnet. Tickets are available now at the Ticket Atlantic Box Office at Scotiabank Centre, select Superstore Outlets, TicketAtlantic.com or by phone at 902-451-1221.