October 9, 2020 – This game ended in a 4-2 win for Moncton, but that score was not indicative of how the game played out, and was actually quite flattering for Halifax. The Wildcats outplayed the Mooseheads throughout the game, generated more scoring chances and dominated possession of the puck. Halifax had their moments, but overall it was an uninspiring effort by the home team.
Moncton draft eligible players
| Mathis Cloutier | Saint-Eustache Vikings | Midget | L | F | 6’1″ | 179 | Moncton Wildcats | Mirabel, QC | 2003 | 2020-2021: C |
Cloutier began the game playing LW on the second line. He showed flashes of offensive potential and some nice hands. Made a very nice play in the second period when he picked the puck up in the corner, stick handled around a defender and hit a pinching defenseman with a nice pass to set up a scoring chance. Rating: B
| Alexis Daniel | Stanstead College | MPHL | R | F | 5’9″ | 181 | Moncton Wildcats | Dieppe, NB | Not yet rated |
Playing his first game of major junior, Daniel looked quite comfortable in the QMJHL. He used his speed to put pressure on opposing defensemen, and provided his line mates with great puck support throughout the game. Daniel also displayed solid defensive awareness, breaking up a couple of passes in the defensive zone in the third period. He finished the game with an assist and was +2. Rating: B
| Dominic LeBlanc | Moncton Flyers | NBPEIMMHL | L | F | 5’9″ | 168 | Moncton Wildcats | Shediac, NB | 2003 | Not yet rated |
LeBlanc served as Moncton’s third-line centre in this game, and saw time on both the PP and PK. Most of his contributions were in the defensive zone, where he often seemed to be in the right spot at the right time. He also went 8-6 in the faceoff circle. Rating: C+
| Nicolas Pavan | Lac St-Louis Lions | QMAAA | L | D | 6’1″ | 183 | Moncton Wildcats | Beaconsfield, QC | 2003 | 2020-2021: C |
Was not a significant factor in this game.
| Charles-Antoine Pilote | Rive-Sud College Francais Bantam | Bantam | L | D | 6’3″ | 192 | Moncton Wildcats | St-Lambert, QC | 2020-2021: C |
Was not a significant factor in this game.
Halifax draft eligible players
| Zachary L’Heureux | Chateauguay Grenadiers U20 | QJAAAHL | L | F | 6’0″ | 194 | Halifax Mooseheads | 2019 | Mercier, QC | 2020-2021: A |
He’s built strong and really showed his strength early in the second period when he set up Halifax’s first goal. L’Heureux carried the puck over the blue line, attempted to split the defense, and then physically held off the two defenders long enough to set up line mate Elliot Desnoyers for the opening goal of the night. He consistently created offensive opportunities. Rating: B+
| Robert Orr | Lac St-Louis Tigres Espoir | Midget | L | F | 6’0″ | 170 | Halifax Mooseheads | 2020 | Beaconsfield, QC | Not yet rated |
Orr looked good on the power play in this one, but he had some struggles 5-on-5. On the PP, he made some quick, accurate passes that led to shots on goal. He got into trouble defensively in both the first and second periods when he tried to stick handle the puck out of the Mooseheads’ zone instead of passing to an open teammate. On both occasions the turnover resulted in a shot on goal for Moncton. Rating: C
| Cole Foston | Cole Harbour Wolfpack | NSMMHL | L | F | 5’9″ | 174 | Halifax Mooseheads | 2019 | Beaver Bank, NS | 2003 | Not yet rated |
Foston wasn’t much of a factor in the first two periods, but he found an extra gear in the third. Mid-way through the third period he went hard to the net, out-muscled a Moncton defenseman, and pounced on a rebound to score his second goal of the season. He was one of only a few Mooseheads who offered some push-back against Moncton in the final period. Rating: C+
| Alex Tessier | Saint-Eustache Vikings | Midget | L | D | 5’10” | 167 | Halifax Mooseheads | 2020 | Mirabel, QC | 2003 | Not yet rated |
Was not a significant factor in this game. Rating: C
| Merle Putman | Weeks Major Midgets | NSMMHL | R | F | 5’11” | 170 | Halifax Mooseheads | Masstown, NS | 2003 | Not yet rated |
Was not a significant factor in this game. Rating: C
| Keegan Hunt | Moncton Flyers | NBPEIMMHL | R | D | 6’1″ | 192 | Halifax Mooseheads | 2019 | Moncton, NB | 2003 | Not yet rated |
Was not a significant factor in this game. Rating: C
| Landon Miron | Cole Harbour Wolfpack | NSMMHL | L | F | 6’2″ | 201 | Halifax Mooseheads | 2019 | Dartmouth, NS | 2002 | Not yet rated |
Was not a significant factor in this game. Rating: C
| Cameron Whynot | Valley Wildcats | NSMMHL | L | D | 6’2″ | 181 | Halifax Mooseheads | 2020 | Kentville, NS | 2003 | 2020-2021: B+ |
Did not play due to injury.
Photo Credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images
Game Evaluation: Darcy MacRae