‘They’re rare’: Moncton Wildcats to host Game 7 Tuesday night

The Moncton Wildcats practice on the ice. (Derek Haggett/CTV News Atlantic)

It’s not a position they wanted, or possibly expected, but the Moncton Wildcats are hosting a Game 7 Tuesday night at the Avenir Centre.

The Wildcats had a chance to eliminate the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada on the road Sunday, but the shocking 3-2 loss extended the third round Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League.

After Tuesday’s brief morning skate, Moncton Wildcats head coach Gardiner MacDougall said his team is excited about the special opportunity.

“A lot of players will play their whole junior career, maybe their pro career and never get to experience a Game 7. They’re rare,” said MacDougall. “It’s a great opportunity for our team to get better.”

The Armada tied Sunday’s game with 48 seconds left to play in regulation and then got the winner off a faceoff draw with just 1.5 seconds left in the game.

“Coverage wasn’t quite there and what happened in the last seconds was one of those miracle shots. But you move on. Obviously the goal is to get to the next series and sometimes you’ve got to earn your way,” said MacDougall.

MacDougall said his team is focused and ready to play in front of a big crowd.

“I think we’re big on routine and clarity. We want to be who we are tonight and we want to be as soon as possible who we are tonight,” said MacDougall.

QMJHL scout and analyst Craig Eagles is a bit surprised the series has gone to a Game 7.

“That’s playoff hockey,” said Eagles.

The late goal in Boisbriand Sunday shows the resiliency of the Armada, Eagles said.

“In those situations and sequences in big games, some players rise to the occasion and that’s what happened in that moment,” said Eagles.

As far as Tuesday night’s game goes, Eagles said to expect the unexpected.

“It’s hard to make predictions on Game 7s. The Wildcats could steamroll. The Armada could come in and surprise. I think the biggest take-away here is home ice advantage, they worked so hard to get that,” said Eagles. “But there’s also nerves. Both teams have showed those nerves throughout this series.”

Wildcats fan Dave Melanson is feeling confident the team will pull it out.

“I think this is going to be a great experience for the players and it’ll be beneficial for them,” said Melanson.

“This team is faster than last year so I really like this year’s team. I give the Armada some credit, they’re not quitting but I think you’re going to see the A-game from the Moncton Wildcats tonight.”

Last year’s team made it to the Memorial Cup in Rimouski, but didn’t advance to the final.

Moncton has been to three national championships, but is still looking for their first Memorial Cup.

McKenzie Mullin wouldn’t miss Tuesday’s game game for anything.

“A little bit nervous, but I’ve got confidence in the boys,” said Mullin.

She thinks the late Armada goal in Game 6 was a fluke and won’t keep them from winning the series.

“I think Gardiner [MacDougall] will have them prepped and stronger today, so I look forward to seeing them in the championship,” said Mullin.

If Moncton does win Game 7, they’ll have the home ice advantage against the Chicoutimi Saguenéens as Game 1 is expected to go Friday night at the Avenir Centre.

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