MONCTON WILDCATS WIN PRESIDENTS CUP!

The Moncton Wildcats - cough cough, as predicted by HockeyPoints, cough cough - are the 2010 QMJHL Playoff Champions.

The Wildcats (seen in photo) defeated their New Brunswick rival, the Saint John Sea Dogs in 6 games. Moncton's fire power proved to be too much for Saint John to handle as they outscored the Sea Dogs 32 to 18 during the series.

Moncton Wildcats veteran forward Gabriel Bourque was named MVP of the series and playoffs. During the final 6 game series Bourque, a Nashville Predators draft pick, scored 7 goals and added 6 assists for 13 points while earning a plus/minus rating of +11. Throughout the entire playoffs Bourque played in 21 games and registered an outstanding 19 goals, 10 assists for 29 points while posting an impressive plus/minus of +19. Well deserved.

On the other side of the rink Saint John had their fair share of "no shows" amongst their veteran players. First line centerman Mike Hoffman (Ottawa draft pick) was held pointless during 4 of 6 games. Top defenseman Simon Despres (Pittsburgh draft pick) was absolutely terrible. In 6 games Despres registered only 1 assist and had a plus/minus rating of -8. Between the pipes, Marco Cousineau (Anaheim draft pick) was exactly what I thought he would be.....weak. Behind a slumping defense Cousineau posted a .881 save percentage and a 4.16 GGA during the final series.

Back to the champions, another player who should receive some recognition and be congratulated is Mr. Alex Wall who was traded from the Juniors to the Wildcats earlier this year. After cheering for this smooth skating defenseman during the past two seasons it's nice to see him experience success with his new club. Wall acted as one of the Wildcats top four defensemen along with David Savard (Columbus draft pick), Mark Barberio (Tampa Bay draft pick) and the soon to be drafted / highly touted Brandon Gormely. This foursome along with Moncton's goalie, Nicola Riopel (Philadelphia draft pick), are a major reason the Wildcats won their 2nd ever Presidents Cup.

Congratulations Moncton!