Wildcats begin MacDougall era

Moncton Wildcats

The Moncton Wildcats officially became one of the most intriguing teams heading into the 2024-25 season on Wednesday.

At a press conference held at Avenir Centre, the Wildcats named Gardiner MacDougall the team's new head coach while his son, agent and former QMJHL player Taylor MacDougall, will be the club's new general manager and director of hockey operations.

“Today marks the beginning of a new era," said Wildcats president Robert K. Irving in a news release. "I’m thrilled to announce that Gardiner and Taylor will be working together to lead the Moncton Wildcats. It’s great to have them in place as we prepare to host the upcoming Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League draft in June. I want to personally welcome them to our organization. I know our fans will be excited by the dynamic, fast-paced, entertaining, and most importantly… winning style of hockey that Gardiner and Taylor bring to the game.”

This is a big time move by Irving, one that has presumably been in the works for some time given the unexpected Ritchie Thibeau announcement last month. Everyone that follows the QMJHL knows that Irving badly wants to win a Memorial Cup and these hirings are his biggest push yet.

Having the MacDougalls in the league brings everything: excitement, expectations and mystery. For Wildcats fans, this is a huge shot of adrenaline after a disappointing season. Given Gardiner's success at UNB, a Memorial Cup with Saint John and a world under-18 gold medal, expectations are very high. But there is also some mystery and intrigue given Gardiner's limited junior hockey coaching experience (although he's been quite successful in what he has done) and the fact that Taylor is a first time general manager.

The two inherit a team that is hitting the upswing of its cycle but there's little doubt the 2024-25 Wildcats will have a different look and style compared to what we've seen in recent years. This will be a fascinating off-season.

The pressure is now on the Wildcats organization to make high expectations a reality. They have a committed owner with deep pockets. They have one of the best facilities in junior hockey. They now have (we think) one of the best hockey ops staffs in the league. They've got everything to be one of the CHL's top franchises. It's time for the Wildcats to start landing some big recruits, consistently winning and grabbing some championships.