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Wildcats – the second season 1997-1998
There was a new look behind the bench, Réal Paiement, who had taken Chicoutimi to the Memorial Cup final in Hull, Quebec, was the new Wildcats bench boss. The crafty coach had a knack for getting the best out of his players and challenged them to go for post season play. The Wildcats grabbed the gauntlet and created surprises and accomplishments. The maturing of rookies and the addition of a pair of Europeans, Alexei Tezikov and Jan Horacek, saw the win-loss columns improve over the first season. Moncton finished year two with 29 wins, 32 losses and 9 ties. The smooth skating Tezikov became an instant fan favorite and established a team record for goals scored by a defenceman – 15. Sébastien Roger, a third year veteran in the Q set a team point record which still stands. Roger scored 53 goals that season, 12 of his counters were game winners. In addition, he added 61 assists for a total of 114 points. Roger recalled his record setting year,”Scoring 50 goals with the Wildcats was a very special moment for me but the thing I remember most is the great chemistry we built as a team.” His linemate, centre Simon Laliberté found the back of the net 43 times and had 45 assists, a team record for Wildcats centres. With a fourth place finish in the Frank Dilio Division of the league, the Wildcats headed to the playoffs. Hockey fever in Moncton was at fever pitch and went even higher when the home team defeated third place Chicoutimi in six games in the first round, allowing only 13 goals. In a mini-round robin, to determine the division finalist, the Wildcats were up against first place Quebec and second place Rimouski. Moncton won the first game against the Remparts but lost the next three. Part of the success of the year and the playoff run was attributed to the play of 20 year-old Francois Cloutier. A mature player with strong leadership skills, Cloutier’s presence gave enthusiasm and confidence to the younger players. Nine years later, Cloutier recalled his time with the Wildcats. “The team was very young but had great potential. As a 20 year-old, I tried to bring some leadership in the dressing room and winning the first round of the playoffs is something I will always remember.” The thrill of winning was established in the dressing room and the stands. New and exciting rivalries were on the horizon. Team Photo
View Individual Stats
QMJHL Standings 1997-98
1997 CHL Import Draft
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Hockey is about drama and excitement and both players and fans had plenty of each as the Wildcats began their second season in the QMJHL.
