As the Wildcats prepared to meet Steve Richards and the Rimouski Oceanic for the league championship in 2000, disaster struck. Injuries already robbed the team of Simon Laliberte and Mirko Murovic but devastation came with the news that Jonathan Roy, who had lead the team with 125 points during the regular season, was diagnosed with cancer. The emotional toll of Roy’s illness on the team was evident as they lost their bid for the title to the Oceanic four games to two.

 

The story of Jonathan Roy’s battle with cancer attracted national attention. The efforts of the Wildcats owner to provide the best possible treatment for the young hockey player were reported in the hockey media around the world.

 

After undergoing successful cancer treatment, returned just before midseason. In talking of his battle with cancer and his return to hockey, Roy said “I could not have come back for the 2000-2001 season without the support of my family, the fans and of course Mr. Irving. The Moncton Wildcats organization was great with me and I will never forget them.”

 

To this day, Jonathan is cancer free and is still playing hockey.