Played on Mar 5, 2026
Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League
Game Played in Avenir Centre
Scout: Ben Marshall
General Game Notes: This game was dominated by special teams, with the first three goals of the night being scored on the power play. With eight total power plays on the night, Moncton capitalized on two of them, giving them momentum at crucial points of the game. Another big difference was the Wildcats best players came to play.
Caden Kelly (RW, R, 5’11”, 193, Cape Breton Eagles, 01/15/2006)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Kaden plays with a noticeable edge, which is especially valuable given his size. His approach is built around attacking, challenging defenders, and actively trying to create offense. He is capable of threatening from inside of the offensive zone off the rush, showing a skill for capitalizing around the slot while also cutting past defenders with sharp changes of direction or attacking into a heavy curl and drag wrist shot. He shows a ton of effort as a player who consistently stays engaged in the play. He hunts down loose pucks, wins races, and often turns those moments into quick offensive opportunities, generating chances in short bursts through his work rate and determination. His one on one skill is where he ends up dishing to a teammate.
Lucas Romeo (RW, R, 6’3″, 215, Cape Breton Eagles, 03/24/2005)
Game Rating
B+
Romeo is a physical presence in front of the net, utilizing his size to create opportunities for himself and his team. He excels at getting into tight spaces and making it difficult for opponents to play him clean. In one instance, Romeo showed poise by recognizing a loose puck in the crease and capitalizing on the scoring chance. As an aggressive player, Romeo is adept at drawing penalties through his tenacious efforts. He also displays a willingness to take hits and engage in physical battles, making him a force to be reckoned with in 50/50 plays. While he may rely on positioning early on, his ability to finish plays makes him a valuable asset to his team.
1 Viewing
Comments: Romeo shows flashes of skill and confidence with the puck when given time and space. With his mobility, he is capable of beating defenders with speed and escaping pressure situations effectively. As a bigger forward, he brings a versatile offensive toolkit where he shows a quick shot, the ability to handle pucks in tight areas, and the strength to protect possession along the outside lanes. He also demonstrates a good feel for pace, recognizing when to slow the play down or push the tempo. His skating mechanics can appear a bit unconventional, as he tends to skate with a fairly upright posture through the upper body while his legs sometimes trail behind. Despite the unusual look, however, he generates solid speed and moves well enough to create separation.
Aiden McCullough (D, 6’2″, 187, Cape Breton Eagles, 06/13/2007)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: McCulloughs game is driven primarily by his defensive value, though there are flashes of offensive contribution as well. In the offensive zone, he can identify passing lanes and make difficult plays under pressure. With his size, there is still room for him to lean more consistently on his frame to impose himself physically and move opponents off pucks, as doing so could make an even greater impact offensively. Defensively, he is effective at disrupting plays with his long reach and positional awareness. He also plays with an edge, bringing a level of competitiveness that helps him break up possessions and make life difficult for opposing attackers.
Maxime Sauthier (C, L, 6’2″, 176, Cape Breton Eagles, 04/26/2008)
Game Rating
B
Sauthier is a skilled player with strong puck-handling abilities, often preferring to operate on the perimeter where he can utilize his speed and agility. He exhibits a European-style playmaking approach, prioritizing finesse over physicality and often opting for space outside of the scoring areas rather than taking risks in tight spaces. To reach his full potential, Sauthier will need to develop the ability to balance his skillset with physical strength, potentially allowing him to contribute more in power game situations. Currently, his playing style is characterized by high-risk moves that sometimes pay off and other times result in missed opportunities.
1 Viewing
Comments: Sathier made a nice play on a goal on the power play in the bumper spot, creating a high tip situation where he was able to deflect the puck past the goalie over his shoulder. This was a set play that needed good positioning and timing where Sauthier was able to show his intelligence with the play. The big man plays well in the middle of the ice, using his size to command space and attack chaotic areas of the offensive zone. He does well under pressure, which is why he is successful in the bumper spot. When players attack him or surround him, he keeps his poise by knowing where his outs are and passes the puck with confidence.
Rudy Guimond (G, L, 6’3″, 189, Moncton Wildcats, 05/19/2005, Harvard)
Game Rating
A-
Guimond demonstrated a strong foundation in net, showcasing his ability to remain calm and composed under pressure. His fluid movements allowed him to cover a lot of ground, making it difficult for opponents to find open scoring chances. He effectively utilized his reflexes and instincts to make spectacular saves while staying on position, which was a key factor in the team’s shutout. While Guimond’s aggressive playing style can sometimes lead to overcommitting or rushing into plays, he generally made effective decisions that neutralized the opponent’s offense.
1 Viewing
Comments: Guimond will do the show his explosiveness in the crease and this allows him to cover ground quickly as he moves with strong lateral agility when sliding through his butterfly. Guimond tracks the puck effectively, staying composed as plays develop around him. He also shows impressive rebound control, particularly off his blocker and glove, consistently directing shots into safer, lower danger areas rather than leaving second chance opportunities in the slot. He made some timely saves tonight, where his team was able to recover and create a bigger lead.
Alex Mercier (C, R, 5’9″, 187, Moncton Wildcats, 09/22/2005, Merrimack)
Game Rating
B+
Mercier displayed strong vision on the ice, consistently making precise passes that allowed him to drive offense and create scoring opportunities. His pace of play was evident, as he drew opponents in with his movement and created space for himself to operate. While not physically imposing, Mercier made up for it with his agility and speed, allowing him to beat defenders and set up teammates. He showed the ability to be a creative force on the ice, particularly when leading rushes or setting up scoring chances.
1 Viewing
Comments: Mercier scored the last goal of the night, capping off the dominating offensive game for his team. The smaller but extremely agile forward got loose in the slot where a pass found his tape and, with a flick of the wrist, beat the goalie over the glove. His shot is as quick as his feet are, making him hard to keep a body on when he is moving at top speed. Mercier is able to drive an offensive play by doing a lot of different things well. He retrieves pucks and is always first to make possession due to how quick he can get going from a standstill. Before getting the puck, he whips his head around checking his surroundings, but is also able to make a decision on a dime.
Teddy Mutryn (C, R, 6’1″, 216, Moncton Wildcats, 02/16/2007, Boston College)
Game Rating
A-
Mutryn showcased a well-rounded skill set that allows him to excel in various situations on the ice. He is an effective physical presence who can engage opponents without crossing into penalty territory, making him a valuable asset in front of his own net. Offensively, he thrives when paired with strong setup men and excels at creating scoring opportunities through playmaking. Mutryn’s unique combination of size and agility enables him to dominate possession and create space for himself and his teammates. He is able to navigate the ice effectively, using his speed and skill to beat defenders wide or draw them in. By constructing space at the net front, he can hold onto rebounds and create second chances.
1 Viewing
Comments: Mutryn is another player for the Wildcats that was able to score two goals on the night and show his dominance in the offensive zone. He picked up his first one of the night, getting a lucky bounce, trying to go back door and banking it off the players skate into the back of the net. His patience and puck moving ability is the reason why he was able to get a bounce like this. He is smooth with the puck, keeps his head up, and is able to check down multiple different options, both under pressure and, of course, with time. He has a unique combination of being one of the bigger players on the ice, being able to move like a smaller player, and his creativity makes him unpredictable.
Tommy Bleyl (D, R, 5’11”, 167, Moncton Wildcats, 12/01/2007, Michigan State)
Game Rating
A
Tommy Bleyl demonstrated a strong shot, but often fails to position himself for optimal usage. As a playmaking defenseman, his skills shine in transitions, where his smooth skating and speed allow him to escape pressure efficiently. He excels at distributing pucks and is well-suited for the power play quarterback role, favoring pass over shoot options.
1 Viewing
Comments: Bleyl he does it all and is such a commanding presence on the ice when the puck is on his stick. He plays with a ton of confidence and moves the puck intentionally to teammates with time and space. He gets back on pucks hard, creating pace before he picks the puck up. His lateral mobility along the blue line is deceptive, and he controls a shot blocker in front of him with poise and is able to create shot lanes from a small area of space. One of the better parts about his game is that he works equally hard in his own end than he does in the offensive end. From a defenseman with team leading points, he has a two way game that is noticeable.
Caleb Desnoyers (C, L, 6’2″, 180, Moncton Wildcats, 04/11/2007)
Game Rating
A-
Desnoyers demonstrated solid hockey sense, particularly in his ability to find and capitalize on passing opportunities. He effectively timed his route into the low slot, allowing him to receive a pass from below the goal line before burying the shot home. His physical play was also notable, as he used his speed and momentum to create space and separate himself from defenders.
1 Viewing
Comments: With two goals on the night tonight, Desnoyers showed that he was one of the better players on the ice offensively. Scored a nice opening goal being the flanker on the power play and getting a cross ice seam pass where he wasted no time with stick handling. With a quick wrist, shot he beat a sliding goalie over the glove. Before this goal happened Desnoyers took about three other shots from the same spot showing his ability to not only shoot the puck but get it off when the play calls for it. He is a big body that when he puts the full weight of his frame into a shot, he has a great release and a reason why he has twenty goals on the year.
Riley Sampson (C, L, 6’2″, 196, Moncton Wildcats, 05/23/2006)
Game Rating
B-
Riley Sampson’s game is built on a strong physical presence along the boards, allowing him to be a dominant force in the neutral zone. However, this approach can sometimes put him out of position in his own end, highlighting a need for improved defensive reads. While Sampson’s skating is serviceable, it doesn’t bring significant offensive upside, suggesting that he may not be a top contributor on offense.
1 Viewing
Comments: Sampson is a big, powerful forward with a strong skating ability, and that combination naturally commands space on the ice. He is effective on the forecheck, consistently applying pressure, finishing checks, and using his strength to win puck battles when he engages physically. His mobility allows him to support play reliably in the defensive zone while still having the work ethic to transition quickly and join the rush, occasionally springing himself. His greatest value, however, lies in his defensive commitment. He competes relentlessly in his own end, battling hard along the walls and around the net, and rarely allows opposing players to outwork him in key defensive situations.
Eerik Wallenius (D, L, 6’4″, 212, Moncton Wildcats, 01/16/2006)
Game Rating
B+
Eerik Wallenius is a physically imposing defenseman with notable mobility, allowing him to effectively cover the ice. His ability to read plays and make smart passes is evident, as seen in his assist that set up a rebound opportunity for his teammate. Wallenius’s game is well-rounded, with a strong emphasis on defensive play, where he consistently delivers solid performances.
1 Viewing
Comments: Wallenius skates with a powerful stride that allows him to accelerate quickly up ice and close gaps effectively on opponents. Defensively, he makes himself difficult to play against thanks to his length, mobility, and willingness to finish checks. His reach helps disrupt plays, while his physicality adds another layer to his defensive impact. For a player of his size, his mobility stands out. He moves well laterally, showing strong edgework on both his inside and outside edges, and his stride remains fluid whether he is pushing play up ice or getting back on loose pucks. While his puck handling could still use some refinement, there is some skill in his game. He plays with a confident, fearless approach and possesses the kind of heaviness that naturally complements his large frame.
Gavin Cornforth (RW, R, 5’9″, 154, Moncton Wildcats, 12/15/2006)
Game Rating
B
Gavin Cornforth’s game is characterized by his ability to move the puck effectively, often creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. He excels at pushing the pace off the rush and generating zone entries, showcasing his agility and vision on the ice. While he may not be the biggest player, Cornforth uses his quickness to his advantage in one-on-one situations, making opponents chase him down. He is also effective in protecting the puck during cycles, keeping plays alive with his passing ability and vision. However, there are moments where he struggles with decision-making, missing passes or failing to move quickly enough to regain possession of the puck. Overall, Cornforth’s game is marked by a good balance of skill and risk-taking.
1 Viewing
Comments: Cornforth frequently relies on his straight- ine speed and strong puck battle ability to pressure defenders on the forecheck, winning possession and quickly moving the puck to teammates. He was able to how tonight that his hands are soft and controlled, allowing him to execute quick, accurate passes in tight spaces. Combined with a quick release, he iss capable of finishing plays both off the rush and during sustained offensive zone pressure. Tends to get bumped off pucks a little too often.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images