‘It’s been a Godsend’: Moncton businesses scoring with Wildcats playoff drive

Several businesses are benefiting from the Moncton Wildcats’ playoffs success.

The last time the Wildcats had a playoff push like this season’s was 2016 when they were playing at the old Moncton Coliseum.

After winning eight of nine playoff games, Moncton has made it to the semi-finals of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League and start a series against the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies Thursday night at the Avenir Centre.

The big winners of course are the fans who have waited for a contender to come back to town.

But businesses around the arena, many of them new, are also scoring big.

The Bunker general manager Michael Babin said it’s been huge for their bottom line.

“Great for business to be honest,” said Babin. “Especially carrying on to a season that’s normally a little bit of a downturn. It’s been a Godsend really. It’s been awesome.”

Carrabba’s Italian Grill general manager Brittany Porter said the Wildcats have been drawing a lot of people to the downtown core.

“Especially with us having such a great location across from the Avenir Centre. We’ve been able to really garner a lot of extra business before the game, after the game,” said Porter.

Fahda’s Pita Wrap owner Fahda Battah has noticed more people grabbing a bite to eat lately before the puck drops.

“It’s picking up more and more, especially since we’re in the playoffs now. All of the season was excellent this year. I think probably because we have a good coach this year,” said Battah.

Wildcats fan Summer Smith said she loves going out before and after the games.

“How could you not? There’s so many nice places to go. The livelihood down here is great and just kind of seeing all of your colleagues, all of your friends out on a night where there’s hockey, it’s just a good atmosphere to be in,” said Smith.

Porter said the bar atmosphere has been great.

“A lot of jerseys coming in before the game. Lots of people talking,” said Porter. “It’s been a general push of just thousands of people to the downtown core.”

Babin said the buzz on game nights is palpable.

“Before and after the game for us, selfishly being located right across the street. We get a great influx before and after,” said Babin. “You know, wait a couple of hours and these streets will be flooded with people heading to the arena.”

The streets will be full of people again on Friday for Game 2 against the Huskies as Moncton’s pursuit of its first ever Memorial Cup continues.

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