QMJHL Report: Moncton Wildcats

This years edition of the Moncton Wildcats are in a rebuilding phase, however there are signs that this will be a typical Moncton team - one that focuses on having a strong group of defensemen and forwards that are both skilled and very aggressive. McKeen's correspondent Rick Springhetti looks at three Wildcats eager to make an impact this season.

Christophe Lalonde (2012) LW, Moncton

Picked-up by Moncton from Lewiston at the dispersal draft .. undersized forward is a quick skater who is willing to battle for the puck .. not intimidated by bigger players .. can be aggravating to opponents due to his work ethic and willingness to keep his feet moving .. does well cycling the puck in the offensive zone .. brings little offense to the table .. seems to lack confidence with the puck, as he hesitates to hold on to it and create opportunities .. doesn't have a very hard shot .. tends to go for the drop pass too often.. well conditioned, he doesn't tire out after a long shift.

James Melindy (2012), D, Moncton

Attended the famed Notre Dame college in Saskatchewan .. right-handed defenseman has good size (6-3, 200) and physical tools .. not a very agile skater .. pivots are difficult and has a lot of trouble picking-up speed going backwards .. he does move well when moving forward .. solid passing ability .. not a very quick puckhandler but does hold on to the puck effectively .. finds open men quickly .. passes are hard and precise .. peripheral vision is solid .. demonstrates solid judgment knowing when to pinch-in and back off .. competes well in front of his crease .. shot is heavy and kept low .. has to work on his ability to angle opponents better but his long reach helps him compensate for this shortcoming .. also needs to improve his gap control because he doesn't have the skating ability to catch up to opponents if they get a step on him .. he does seem aware of this shortcoming though and tries to play a safe game regularly using the boards to get the puck out of his zone when pressured .. very vocal on the ice, he communicates well with his defense partner.

Brandon Shea (2013), Centre, Moncton

Big centre is only 16-years old .. not the quickest of skaters but he's growing into his 6-2, 200-pound frame .. first steps are difficult and his turns are not very sharp but he does have a powerful skating stride .. balance is decent and he's difficult to move once he plants himself in front of the net .. puckhandling ability is well-developed.. thinks the game well and is usually in good position especially in the neutral zone .. uses his stick well in the defensive zone but has the habit of chasing opponents instead of staying disciplined in terms of body position.. hard hitter, he is not afraid to initiate contact while still managing to avoid getting penalty minutes .. has to shoot the puck more in the offensive zone .. not often matched-up with skilled linemates, thus limiting his offensive output, but the raw tools are there.