Game played on 2/6/2025.
General Game Notes: February 6, 2025 – QMJHL action between home team Moncton Wildcats and visiting team Cape Breton Eagles. A back and forth affair, saw both goaltender shine, and it took extra time (a shootout) to determine a winner. Ultimately two goals from Joseph Henneberry #90 weren’t enough as Moncton took the extra points by a final score of 3-2 in a shootout.
Jakub Milota (G, L, 6’1″, 167, Cape Breton Eagles, 04/14/2006)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Milota plays a compact and efficient game in net, minimizing openings by keeping his hands tight and consistently staying in good position. He excels at following shooters with small, precise movements, often using subtle shuffles and reacting quickly with his hands or by relying on his solid positioning. While Milota can be aggressive when the situation calls for it, he remains calm and deep in his crease when needed, showing an ability to read the play and rely on his technical skills to manage shots. His mix of quick reactions, positioning, and calm under pressure makes him a reliable goaltender who can handle a variety of situations effectively.
Tomas Lavoie (D, R, 6’4″, 225, Cape Breton Eagles, 03/31/2006)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Lavoie is a big, right-shot defenseman who excels at both ends of the ice. Defensively, he uses his size and strength to effectively box out opponents in front of the net, getting into position early to prevent high-quality chances. On the rush, his long reach allows him to deflect pucks and break up plays, while maintaining strong gap control to stay tight on opposing forwards. Offensively, Lavoie is confident in using his size and skating ability to gain valuable ice and push the play forward. He’s not afraid to take the puck up the ice, and once in the offensive zone, he gets pucks on net with a good shot. His ability to find shooting lanes consistently makes him a threat from the blue line.
Cam Squires (RW, R, 6’1″, 185, Cape Breton Eagles, 04/11/2005)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Squires is a highly intelligent and efficient player who understands how to leverage his skills without overcomplicating his game. His puck management is excellent—he frequently uses chip plays to maneuver around defenders, and his skating combined with his strength allows him to retrieve pucks effectively. Once in possession, he displays excellent vision and decision-making, often making plays in tight spaces. A strong example of his playmaking ability came on the first goal of the game, where he caused a turnover behind the net and quickly found a teammate in a prime scoring area with a precise tape-to-tape pass. His passing range is solid, executing both short, five-foot passes and more complex seam passes on the power play with ease. Squires shows impressive instincts, consistently avoiding risky plays and turnovers. He plays a mature, well-rounded game, balancing aggressive puck retrieval with smart, efficient distribution.
Brayden Schmitt (D, R, 5’11”, 185, Cape Breton Eagles, 03/18/2004)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Schmitt is a skilled right-shot defenseman who consistently creates offensive opportunities, particularly on the power play. He plays with his head up at all times, allowing him to read the play and make quick decisions, even when under pressure or moving with the puck. Schmitt has a strong shot and does an excellent job of finding lanes to get pucks through to the net, whether or not there’s traffic in front. His shoot-first mentality is a key strength, especially on the power play, where he consistently looks for opportunities to unleash his shot.
Joseph Henneberry (C, L, 6’2″, 194, Cape Breton Eagles, 12/20/2004)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Henneberry demonstrated his versatility in a two-goal performance, showcasing different ways he can contribute offensively. His first goal came from going hard to the net and finishing his chance in tight, showing his ability to get ‘inside’ the game using his size and strength around the crease. The second goal highlighted his skill from a different angle. After collecting the puck on the half wall, he looked to shoot the entire time before ripping a powerful shot past a screened goaltender from the top of the circle. This goal showcased his quick release, heavy shot, and ability to contribute on the PP.
Jacob Newcombe (C, L, 6’1″, 215, Cape Breton Eagles, 04/27/2004)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: Newcombe is a strong, physical forward who excels in puck battles, particularly along the walls. His ability to win these battles allows him to maintain possession and create opportunities for his team. With the puck on his stick, he has the skillset to make plays and distribute effectively. Offensively, Newcombe consistently drives the net and is not afraid to create chaos in front of the opposing goaltender, whether with or without the puck.
Rudy Guimond (G, L, 6’3″, 180, Moncton Wildcats, 05/19/2005, Yale)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Guimond had a standout performance, making several key saves throughout the game and playing a crucial role in securing points for his team, despite ultimately falling short in the shootout. He relies on his size and play-reading ability to excel in net, staying relatively deep in his crease and minimizing movement, which allows him to stay square to shooters. Guimond uses his size to seal off the lower portion of the ice, limiting scoring opportunities in tight. He moves well post-to-post, effectively utilizing the RVH position and smoothly transitioning out of it when pucks move from low to high. His ability to battle in tough situations is evident, as he doesn’t give up on plays and continues to fight for every save.
Dylan MacKinnon (D, R, 6’2″, 200, Moncton Wildcats, 01/12/2005)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: MacKinnon is a stay-at-home defenseman who plays a simple, effective game without overcomplicating things. He makes straightforward, hard plays with the puck, often using the boards or short breakout passes to efficiently transition the play out of his zone. Defensively, MacKinnon uses his size and strength to box out opponents and establish position in front of the net. He is particularly effective along the walls, closing in on attackers and making it difficult for them to maintain possession. His physicality is a key aspect of his game, as he consistently engages in battles and keeps opponents away from his crease.
Markus Vidicek (C, L, 5’10”, 175, Moncton Wildcats, 03/21/2004, Quinnipiac)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Vidicek is a solid two-way forward who excels in both defensive responsibility and offensive creation. His commitment to playing in his own end is a key factor in fueling his offensive game. He is diligent in stopping on pucks and avoids overcommitting, always supporting his teammates with solid outlet options. Despite not being a large forward, Vidicek isn’t hesitant to get involved in the physical aspects of the game, especially in the forecheck. His tenacity was on full display during the first goal of the game. Although he didn’t earn a point, Vidicek created the turnover with relentless puck pursuit, eventually regaining control and driving to the net, where the puck ended up in the back of the net.
Dyllan Gill (D, R, 6’2″, 195, Moncton Wildcats, 06/07/2004)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Gill is a big, right-shot defenseman who plays a well-rounded, reliable game. He may not rely heavily on skating to push the puck up the ice, but his passing ability is a standout trait, allowing him to efficiently move the puck out of his zone and transition play. Defensively, Gill is physical and plays with an assertive edge, closing quickly on opponents and making it difficult for them to generate space. His reach and edge work are assets, enabling him to defend effectively and disrupt offensive plays. Offensively, he contributes by getting shots through to the net. His long reach and ability to find shooting lanes help him consistently create chances from the blue line.
Vincent Collard (C, R, 6’2″, 189, Moncton Wildcats, 01/03/2005)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Collard displays many power forward traits, using his size and strength to protect the puck and get it to the net. His physicality is a key part of his game, as he isn’t afraid to engage along the boards and battle for key possessions. His will and want to get to the net is what allows him to great opportunities for himself and his linemates. Defensively, Collard is efficient, playing a strong, physical game. He excels in killing pucks with an active stick and is particularly effective on the penalty kill. His quick, aggressive movement on the PK makes it difficult for opponents to find space or time to set up plays, as he pressures the puck carrier relentlessly.
Loke Johansson (D, L, 6’3″, 209, Moncton Wildcats, 12/14/2005)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Johansson is a big, mobile defenseman who combines his size with impressive foot speed, especially along the blue line. He opens up his hips well, keeps his head up, and consistently gets pucks to the net, often with traffic in front. His offensive contribution was evident when he scored Moncton’s first goal—accepting an overpass, collecting the puck with his head up, walking the line, and finding a lane to get a shot on net. Defensively, Johansson uses his size and strength effectively to smother opponents, showcasing strong gap control and an active stick. His ability to close on attackers and break up plays makes him a reliable presence in his own zone.
Juraj Pekarcik (LW, L, 6’1″, 200, Moncton Wildcats, 09/12/2005)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Pekarcik is a rangy forward who plays with the intention to control the pace of the game. He is strong on his skates and has the confidence to attack defenders wide, often with the intent to cut to the net and create scoring chances. His ability to play with speed and physicality makes him a difficult player to defend against. In overtime, Pekarcik demonstrated his desire to be the difference-maker, actively seeking the puck and showcasing his offensive drive. He used his high skill level and speed to challenge his opponents in the defensive zone, displaying an impressive combination of quickness and creativity to put pressure on the opposition.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
