Played on Apr 30, 2025
Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League
Game Played in Arena Glencore
General Game Notes: Moncton was able to take the victory in overtime and clinch themselves a spot in the championship series. The sweep of Rouyn-Noranda was another statement win as this team has only lost one game all playoffs. They have a lot of tools that make them successful, depth, top line scoring and defensemen allow them to keep winning games.
Dylan MacKinnon (D, R, 6’2″, 200, Moncton Wildcats, 01/12/2005)
Game Rating
B-
1 Viewing
Comments: MacKinnon is far from the best skater and is prone to getting beat on the rush by speedy forwards, which is likely why he was at his best killing penalties because he is less exposed to odd man rushes, as opposing power plays typically have very structured breakouts with scripted zone entries. Tonight, MacKinnon was able to show that he has got a high motor and legitimate defensive tools to be a good physical defenseman. He needs to add the other side to his game where he moves the puck more and faster, shoots more and gets more pucks to the net.
Alex Mercier (C, R, 5’9″, 187, Moncton Wildcats, 09/22/2005)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Mercier was just in the right spot at the right time. He picked up a rebound back door that literally bounced right to his stick and was able to bury it home and give his team the lead. Mercier was able to show tonight that if his team needs someone to lead the rush, set up teammates, and drive offensive play, he can be creative and do so. He is smaller so he relied on his speed to beat defenders wide but has the agility to stop on a dime and set up someone coming in late.
Caleb Desnoyers (C, L, 6’2″, 180, Moncton Wildcats, 04/11/2007)
Game Rating
A-
1 Viewing
Comments: Desnoyers opened the scoring for the Wildcats scoring somewhat early in the first period. He was able time his route downhill perfectly into the low slot where he got a pass from below the goal line. While the goalie was still looking behind the net, Desnoyers buried home the slot pass to give his team the early lead. Desnoyers does a good job at fighting for spots and for pucks, he is not the biggest player on the ice but uses his momentum from his hard skating to gain position on the players. He was at his best tonight when he challenged defenders for space, drawing them in, only to dish around them or attack the net, it is a great example of how he was able to scoring thirty plus goals this year.
Maxime Cote (C, L, 5’11”, 170, Moncton Wildcats, 05/12/2005)
Game Rating
B+
Maxime Côté’s game highlights showcase his ability to make plays in tight spaces. His hand-eye coordination and timing allow him to intercept shots and create scoring opportunities. Côté uses his speed to stay ahead of defenders and makes smart decisions to exploit defensive coverage. One notable aspect of his game is his willingness to take risks, often playing at the end of his stick to create complex plays. While this sometimes results in flashy moments, it also requires him to be intelligent with the puck. His ability to handle the stick and make smart passes is equally as important as his individual skills.
1 Viewing
Comments: Cote was able to show tonight that he pairs incredible puck skills with a quick stride and the ability to maintain puck possession through contact. He creates time and space with the puck thanks to his strength and creates chances for his opponents from the wing as a center would. At times, his aggressiveness can get the better of him and he is far from a shutdown winger, but he has also got size and strength and can win board battles with a decent degree of consistency. Cote can hold his own defensively.
Loke Johansson (D, L, 6’3″, 209, Moncton Wildcats, 12/14/2005)
Game Rating
B+
Johansson’s gameplay showcases his versatility as a utility player, exceling in various aspects despite not dominating any single skillset. He demonstrated proficiency in setting up power plays, moving the puck effectively, and scoring at a high rate for a defenseman. However, his defensive capabilities are often overlooked, but he is a strong presence on penalty kill and can anchor a defensive pairing with ease. He also possesses a physical advantage, capable of delivering big hits and competing effectively in tight spaces. Johansson’s balanced skillset makes him a reliable asset to his team.
1 Viewing
Comments: Johansson showed a little more offense in this game than he is used to. He uses his speed and intelligence to create time and space with the puck and was a legitimate offensive engine. He drives play whenever he was on the ice, and he can be a major factor in the offensive zone from the blue line. Defensively, he was able to play a shut down role and pin guys along the wall but his defense came from moving the puck quickly out of his zone. Couple times tonight, he sometimes makes the wrong defensive play in order to be able to rattle off the biggest hit, this caused his positioning when it was fine before.
Juraj Pekarcik (LW, L, 6’1″, 200, Moncton Wildcats, 09/12/2005)
Game Rating
A-
Pekarcik’s game is characterized by his aggressive playmaking, as he consistently attacks inside with and without the puck. He possesses a unique ability to dangle defenders on his way to the net, showcasing his impressive skillset.
1 Viewing
Comments: The big man can move, shoot, skate, and be hard to play against. He made a great move at the goalie for his team to take the short lead late in the third period. While on a little breakaway, he was able to pull the puck back a forth twice in tight and slip the puck under the goalies pad. It really was an impressive move. Pekarcik is not the strongest defensive forward despite his motor and physicality, so he should not kill penalties, but he is an incredible puck handler and his lack of elite defensive value is made up for the value he brings at the other end of the ice.
Samuel Meloche (G, L, 6’2″, 194, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, 07/22/2007)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Despite being the losing goalie, Meloche made some incredible saves that make you wonder if the score could have gotten a lot worse, a lot quicker. His combination of being taller and being able to be mobile allows him to get from post to post and stop wraps, which he had a couple of. He did a good job at getting square to the puck, making the first save, at times left too many rebounds but showed the athleticism to get back into position and make that second save.
Axel Dufresne (D, R, 6’0″, 186, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, 05/10/2005)
Game Rating
B
1 Viewing
Comments: Dufresne was able to show that he is a reliable puck moving defenseman, able to use his good mobility and vision to be an asset in transition, as well as being able to create scoring chances from the neutral zone using his skating. He does a good job at shoulder checking while going after loose pucks, he knows what he wants to do with the puck before he gets it. For his game to be more complete tonight, he needs to add physicality rather than relying on his stick checks so much to create turnovers.
Lars Steiner (RW, R, 5’9″, 176, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, 11/12/2007)
Game Rating
A-
Steiner’s offense is characterized by his ability to create scoring opportunities with precision and finesse. He excels at finding open spots in the slot, using his quick movements to deceive opponents. Notably, he approaches defense with a calculated calmness, avoiding unnecessary effort that could drain his energy. This strategic approach allows him to conserve his strength for the offensive zone, where he can make impactful plays.
1 Viewing
Comments: One of the better goals of the series so far was the one Steiner was able to score and tie the game up for his team. After dragging his leg to stay on side, his quick burst was able to get him to net after having to slow down his skating. He picked up the bouncing puck and the top of the crease with the goalie out of position. Instead of spinning around to score and give the goalie time to get back squared, he quickly shot the puck between his legs showing off his creativity and handles in a pressure situation. His ability to change speed makes it hard for defenders to keep pace with him but this also makes him dangerous in various situations off the rush.
Alexis Lemire (D, L, 6’1″, 186, Rouyn-Noranda Huskies, 04/27/2006)
Game Rating
B+
1 Viewing
Comments: Lemire was able to get on the board and give his team a lead, only if lasted for a little while. The unlikely scorer was able to find the back of the net by simply getting his shot through. He was able to show tonight that he has size and he is able to use that elite size to be an asset in front of the net and in front of corners. It was very difficult for forwards to get a foothold in the crease when they were battling against Lemire, and as a result he is an asset in his own end and especially on the penalty kill where he can set himself up in front of the net and ensure nobody gets prime position in front of his goalie.
Photo credit: Dan Hickling/Hickling Images