Blood is thicker than ice for some new Wildcats
Laliberte & Desnoyers
Elliot & Caleb Desnoyers and Simon Laliberte Even though Caleb Desnoyers has yet to touch the ice as a Moncton Wildcat, he will become part of an unique group of brothers that have thrown on the Wildcat jersey. Caleb’s older brother Eliott Desnoyers’ exploits as a Moncton Wildcat and Halifax Moosehead are extremely well-documented, but their family connection to the Wildcats organization and the QMJHL run deeper than that. Their father Dave Desnoyers was a rugged two-way defenceman who played four seasons in the Q, with the St. Hyacinthe Lazers from 1991 to 1995. Their uncle was none other than Wildcats 1st draft selection Simon Laliberte. Laliberte was drafted 13th overall in the 1996 QMJHL Entry Draft. The highly skilled two-way forward put-up impressive numbers throughout his five year QMJHL career which ended with the Acadie-Bathurst Titan. In four seasons with the Cats, Laliberte played 272 games, scored 132 goals and recorded 152 assists. In 27 playoff games he added 30 points. The offensive instinct coupled with their defensive prowess certainly runs in the family. Elliot Desnoyers was confronted with an enormous amount of expectations coming into the fray with the Cats in 2018. The young dynamic two-way forward didn’t disappoint and showcased his skill set instantly. Desnoyers strongest attributes were his ability to read, react and think the game in any situation. His offensive numbers were solid with the Cats, scoring 23 goals 34 assists in a 121 regular season games. He added two goals and two assists in 11 playoff games in 2018-2019. Obviously, it’s really unfortunate the Wildcats and their fanbase missed out what he had in store in the 2020 playoffs. In summer of 2020, the highly skilled two-way forward was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 5th round 135th overall. Desnoyers proved all of the critics wrong by adding a more potent offensive structure to his game. The Flyers did amazing job projecting his talents, much like the Wildcats scouting staff did when they selected him two years earlier. Desnoyers made his NHL Debut with the Flyers February 25, 2023 after putting up 23 goals and 21 assists in 65 games with Flyers AHL affiliate the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. Saying Caleb Desnoyers plays a similar style to that of his brother’s would be an understatement. The ultra-competitive, highly skilled playmaking and scoring forward who can play both forward positions with relative ease. There’s no question he has all of tools to be an effective power forward at the next level and beyond. Desnoyers is the type of player that can skate for days and really drive offensive opportunities based on skill and will alone. Caleb Desnoyers is going to be a difference maker for the Moncton Wildcats for years to come. It’s easy to make comparisons to that of his brother Eliott, but there’s no question he’s forging his own path in the game. The one comparable that is most noteworthy is no doubt his will to compete, character and drive. It’s those intangibles that have set both Desnoyers’ brothers, father, and uncle apart. The Laliberte and Desnoyers connection with the Moncton Wildcats organization runs as deep as any. Clearly Caleb Desnoyers has big skates to fill, but he’s no doubt ready to carry the torch on several levels. He joins a small, but very substantial list of brothers that have suited up and made a massive impact on the organization.The Roys
Jonathan & Antoine Roy Jonathan Roy’s time with the Moncton Wildcats was very limited, but extremely impactful. Roy was originally drafted by the Drummondville Voltigeurs, but arrived in Moncton at the mid-way point of 1999-2000 season. The offensively gifted two-way forward put-up incredible numbers scoring 25 times and adding 28 assists in only 31 regular season games. In 8 postseason games he added one goal and 6 assists. Roy continued his offensive domination the following season scoring 29 times and adding 29 assists in 45 games. That’s the hockey side of Jonathan Roy’s story. Everyone associated with the organization and the entire league will remember the ultimate battle Roy won during his tenure with the Wildcats. On April 19, 2000, the Wildcats announced that Roy was medical leave from the team and was unable to complete the season. Doctors found a tumor after Game 4 of the playoffs against the Quebec Remparts. Roy was operated on at the Dr. George-L Dumont Hospital on April 10, 2000. Medical examinations indicated a presence of rhabdomyosarcoma a form of cancer. Roy fought hard and the entire organization and community supported him throughout his cancer treatments. The highly skilled elite level scoring forward returned just before midseason of 2000-2001. 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,” Roy said. Jonathan’s son Anthony was selected at this years QMJHL Entry Draft in Sherbrooke, Quebec on June 10th. He was selected in the 8th round 133 overall. Anthony put up solid numbers this season with the Pointe-Levy Corsaires of the Quebec Major 17 AAA Hockey League. The gritty two-way forward scored 7 goals and 16 assists in 29 regular season games. Roy also appeared in four games with the Levis Chevaliers of the Quebec Major Midget AAA Hockey League where he recorded one assist. Roy might be a prototypical late bloomer, but he possesses the skill, character and determination to push for a roster spot in the upcoming years. The common thread, other than bloodlines, that connects Jonathan and Anthony Roy together is their heart and commitment to life and the game of hockey.The Damphousses
JF & Benjamin Damphousse JF Damphousse was a pillar for the Moncton Wildcats. Drafted 5th overall in the 1996 QMJHL Entry, the young netminder from Saint-Alexis-des-Monts, Quebec was thrust into the number one role almost instantly. Damphousse quickly became the cornerstone for the organization to build around. The young 16-year-old arrived on the scene under immense pressure and high expectations with the organization going through junior hockey’s dread cycle and a transition from the Alpines to the Wildcats. Damphousse’s numbers in debut in the QMJHL weren’t stellar, but everyone could see his potential and that on most nights the young netminder stood on his head while being bombarded with plethora of high-quality scoring chances and shots. Damphousse’s exploits between the pipes are the stuff of legend in Moncton. In any rebuild, goaltenders usually take the brunt of criticism, Damphousse stood tall on and off the ice. His stat line drastically improved over the course of three seasons with the Wildcats. NHL scouts took notice of his amazing performances backstopping the rebuilding Cats. Damphousse was selected 24th overall in the 1997 NHL Entry by the New Jersey Devils. He played professionally for eight seasons before retiring in the 2004-2005. JF’s son, Benjamin Damphousse was selected by the Wildcats at this years QMJHL Entry Draft in the 13th round 232 overall. Damphousse is a solid two-way transitional defender. Damphousse played his U18 Major AAA hockey at Rothesay Netherwood School under Head Coach and Moncton Wildcat scout Jeff Lewis. Damphousse processes the game very well and has all the tools to be an effective defender moving forward. From pressure between the pipes to controlling things on the backend, the Damphousse’s know how to handle the pressure and demands of the position and the game. Benjamin Damphousse might be a few years away from the QMJHL, but there’s no doubting his unrelenting drive to reach his full potential which is definitely a trait that runs in the family.The QMJHL and the Moncton Wildcats are never short on storylines. Hockey is a way of life for so many of us. The game of hockey has an amazing way of connecting us all. All of the sacrifices that have confronted hockey families are undoubtedly shared along the way. Family connections only strengthen the passion for the organization, league and ultimately the game. From the community, to the team and organization, the bond between family and bloodlines can never be broken.
Moncton Wildcats 2023 Draft coverage is sponsored by Protrans Personnel Services. You can watch the Wildcats take the next step — 2023/2024 Season Seats are on sale now!