Interview with Moncton Wildcats forward Stéphane Goulet

BOUCHERVILLE, Saturday, January 142006 (QMJHL) – This week, the official Website of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League – www.lhjmq.qc.ca – presents an interview with Moncton Wildcats forward Stéphane Goulet.

<i>You’re now in your third QMJHL season and are currently enjoying a very good campaign. Can you underline the reasons why you are performing so well this year?</i>

"I’ve been a part of two very good organizations (Quebec and Moncton) and my body, as well as my skills have reached a level of maturity which has greatly increased my confidence level on the ice. Confidence is the key for both hockey players and other athletes who compete at all levels. Also, I’ve been fortunate to play with two great linemates: Adam Pineault and Philippe Dupuis."

<i>Do the Wildcats have a special rivalry with any specific QMJHL team?</i>

"Yes. This year, the games we play against the Acadie-Bathurst Titan are really intense. Every game has a playoff atmosphere. They’ve got a good club. I think we face them five times over the course of the second half of the season."

<i>Your Head Coach, Ted Nolan, has some experience at the NHL level. Do you think that it has an impact on your team?</i>

"It definitely does. He attracts our attention to the details which can make all the difference in game situations. Also, we’ve got a great hockey environment here in Moncton. Our practices are intense, the staff is terrific and our weight and conditioning room is well equipped. Furthermore, having been there (NHL), he knows what players need to do to get to the next level."

<i>Moncton will be the host of this year’s Memorial Cup tournament. Is it something the players regularly think about?</i>

"It’s constantly in the back of our minds. We’ve known for a while now that the Wildcats would be hosting this event. All I can tell you is that we’ll be ready."

<i>You were drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in the 2004 NHL entry draft. Is it a dream of yours to get to that level?</i>

"I love hockey and I’ve been playing it for a long time. I’m working hard and training a lot to achieve that goal."