Upon returning home by plane from Rimouski, Quebec, on Monday night, the Moncton Wildcats were greeted with a warm reception, reminiscent of heroes, after clinching the Gilles-Courteau trophy.
The Wildcats secured a 3-2 victory over the Rimouski Océanic, marking their first Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) title win since 2010.
One of the devoted fans, Jailynn Gillcash, joined the crowd outside the airport, expressing that she had eagerly anticipated this championship moment throughout her 15 years of life.
“Tears streamed down my face. I was extremely thrilled. I have waited my entire life for this, and everything they have achieved this year is simply astounding,” she shared.
Adam Lund, a co-host of the Wildcast — a podcast covering the team for the past eight seasons — recounted the emotional rollercoaster of watching Game 6 against the Océanic in Rimouski. The Wildcats had suffered defeats in the two previous games, including Game 5 at home on Saturday night at the Avenir Centre.
“Relief, excitement, a mix of emotions,” he described the atmosphere in the Rimouski arena.
“Being there last night was surreal. Although it would have been more special to achieve this victory at home in front of our fans, securing the series against Rimouski, a formidable opponent, was a huge relief.”
Lund plans to take along his four-month-old daughter to witness the Wildcats’ journey in the Memorial Cup, commencing this Saturday back in Rimouski.
“It’s a thrilling moment for the city, and as they prepare for the Memorial Cup tournament, the excitement is palpable. It’s going to be an enjoyable but swift journey,” he remarked.
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