Wildcats advance to the Rookie Challenge Final with a 7-1 win over Saint John!

The Moncton Wildcats took to the ice last night against NB rival the Saint John Sea Dogs in QMJHL Rookie Challenge action. After coming off a win over the Screaming Eagles on Friday night, the team would notch another win to mark their place at the top of the leader board.

Moncton came out strong in their second game of the weekend. getting off to an early lead they banked a 3-0 edge after the opening 20 minutes. First goal of the game was a combination effort from our two first round picks this season, Jakob Pelletier set up the feed for Jaxon Bellamy to bury the opening goal, and his second of the tournament. G Blackmore also notched his first of the tournament on a shorthanded effort, followed up by Jakob Pelletier putting away the third goal of the opening frame.

Moncton would double up their lead after two, adding another three more goals after 40 minutes of play. Danill Kuzmin found the back of the net twice in the second frame, and Pelletier netted another for his second of the night.

Saint John was able to break the shutout at 14:40 of the final period, but Moncton had the game locked away at this point. Wildcats 3rd overall pick from this summer’s draft, Jakob Pelleiter added the final goal of the night  for the hat-trick.

Philippe Gaudreault was in nets for Moncton last night putting on an impressive performance, turning away 38 Saint John attempts.

With the win, the Wildcats have secured their spot in the finals today at 4:00 p.m. vs. the Halifax Mooseheads. It will be a re-match of last year’s final, and we hope to see you all out to cheer on your Moncton Wildcats!

You can purchase tickets at the Superior Propane Centre for today’s games.