A new Moncton Wildcats season begins next month in what is being described as a new era for the team.
Training camp for the players gets underway on Saturday.
Head Coach Gardiner MacDougall says it’ll be a good opportunity to see the player’s skills on the ice.
“An exciting opportunity and lots of new challenges ahead. We start with our rookie camp on the 17th and a number of new players that will be trying out for the hockey club, and players that have been drafted previously. The next week we get our veterans and returnees back and new additions to our lineup.”
He says the group of returning players probably have a lot to prove after a pretty good regular season, and disappointment in the playoffs.
“It’s a new 2024 with a number of new players, a number of new staff members. So, it’s an exciting opportunity to be part of the Wildcats organization starting here in August. I think we just want to try to be the best we can, and the next day try to be a little bit better.” MacDougall adds.
MacDougall was named Head Coach in May. At the same time, his son Taylor was hired as General Manager and Director of Hockey Operations.
“I think that’s one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Very rarely do you get that opportunity at this level of hockey, to work with your son. It has been tremendous so far. He’s a proud dad. His son was just recently born. So the newest Wildcat aboard is Jack MacDougall. So very exciting opportunity for himself and certainly the MacDougalls and the Wildcat family.”
Moncton Wildcats season tickets are now available for purchase. The pre-season begins August 20 against Acadie Bathurst. The first home game of the regular season is September 28, also against Acadie-Bathurst.
