In the history of the Moncton Wildcats, two names stand out -- Steve Bernier and Brandon Gormley, the only two players chosen as first overall picks in the QMJHL draft by the Moncton Wildcats. Their exceptional careers, both with the Wildcats and on the international stage, have solidified their place in Moncton hockey history.
STEVE BERNIER: Lighting Up the Scoreboard
When Steve Bernier stepped onto the ice for the Moncton Wildcats, fans knew they were witnessing something special. Bernier was selected 1st overall in the 2001 QMJHL Draft coming off an Air Canada Cup victory & tournament MVP performance with Ste. Foy in the spring. Bernier's impact was instant upon his arrival in Moncton.
The Quebec City product scored 31 goals and added 28 assists in 66 games for a rebuilding Cats team. At 16 years-old, Bernier was 3rd in team scoring behind Collin Circelli and Patrick Thoresen. Bernier saved his best season in QMJHL for his sophomore season. He eclipsed the 100 point plateau and scored 49 goals in 71 regular season games.
The 6'2", 225 lb Bernier established himself as a power forward in the league but it was his play away from the puck that drew attention from NHL scouts. Bernier had the ability to change a game by physical dominance and boasted one of the best two-way games with in the QMJHL.
In four years with the Moncton Wildcats, Bernier played 271 games scoring 151 goals while adding 162 assists for 313 pts. The native of Quebec is still among franchise leaders in games played, goals and points.
Bernier was drafted by the San Jose Sharks in the 1st round, 16th overall, in
2003 NHL Entry Draft. He made his NHL debut in 2005-06 and played in 707 career NHL games, amassing 253 points over that time.
Bernier's Major Junior Achievements:
2001-2002
- QMJHL All-Rookie Team
2002-2003
- CHL Second All-Star Team
- CHL Top Prospects Game
- QMJHL Second All-Star Team
- U18 WJC Gold Medal
2003-2004
- QMJHL Second All-Star Team
BRANDON GORMLEY: The Defensive Dynamo
The Moncton Wildcats struck gold once again with their first overall pick in the 2008 QMJHL draft. Brandon Gormley, a gifted 6'2, 190 lb defenseman, stepped onto the ice ready to leave his mark.
Gormley’s ability to play at both ends of the ice and offensive upside made the Wildcats an instant contender. Gormley recorded 27 points in 62 games as a 16 year-old rookie and would add 4 points in 10 playoff games in the 2008-09 season.
During the 2010 season, Gormley was 2nd in defensive scoring behind David Savard with 43 points in 58 regular season games, and would add an impressive 17 points in 21 games in their playoff championship run. In all, Gormley played 229 games for the Moncton Wildcats and had 167 points during that time. Gormley was a part of the 2010 President Cup team that featured one of the best Major Junior blue lines every assembled.
Gormley's contributions went well beyond his stats. His ability to read the game and make crucial defensive plays solidified the Wildcats' back end. But Gormley wasn't content with just shutting down opponents -- he also showcased his offensive instincts, becoming a threat on the rush. His remarkable talent earned him a selection in the first round of the
2010 NHL Entry Draft, picked 13th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes.
Gormley's Major Junior Achievements:
2008-2009
- QMJHL All-Rookie Team
- U17 WHC All-Star Team
2009-2010
- CHL Top Prospects Game
- QMJHL Best Professional Prospect (Mike Bossy Trophy)
- QMJHL Champion
- QMJHL Second All-Star Team
2010-2011
- QMJHL Second All-Star Team
2011-2012
- CHL Memorial Cup All-Star Team (with SHA)
- CHL Memorial Cup Champion (with SHA)
- U20 WJC All-Star Team
- U20 WJC Best Defenseman
- U20 WJC Bronze Medal
- U20 WJC Most Goals by Defenseman (3)
- U20 WJC Most Points by Defenseman (6)
- U20 WJC Top 3 Player on Team
International Stardom
Both Bernier and Gormley had the honour of donning the Team Canada jersey on the international stage. Bernier's standout performance came at the 2003 World U18 Championships, where he played an instrumental role in helping Canada capture the gold medal. His clutch goals and offensive prowess made him a key contributor to the team's success.
Gormley, too, left his mark on the international stage. Representing Canada at the World Junior Championships 2012, he helped his team earn a bronze medal. His solid defensive play and offensive contributions showcased his versatility and impact on the global stage.
But Gormley's international journey didn't end there. He helped Canada win Gold at the 2016 Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerand and was slected to the Canadian roster for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijng. Gormley's presence on the world's biggest stage solidified his status as a top-tier defenseman.
Steve Bernier and Brandon Gormley, the Moncton Wildcats' first overall QMJHL picks, carved their names into Wildcats lore with their exceptional careers. Bernier's offensive fireworks and Gormley's defensive prowess and offensive flair left a lsting impact on the franchise and its fans. Their exceptional statistics and achievements epitomize the Wildcats' commitment to identifying and developing young players into future stars.
Moncton Wildcats 2023 Draft coverage is sponsored by
Protrans Personnel Services.
The Wildcats hold the 1st overall pick on June 10 at the 2023 QMJHL Entry Draft in Sherbrooke. You can watch the Wildcats take the next step — 2023/2024 Season Seats and Flex Packs will be on sale soon.
