Music: {allcanada} QMJHL: WILDCATS TAKE DOWN RIVAL SEA DOGS

Saturday, December 31, 2011

{allcanada} QMJHL: WILDCATS TAKE DOWN RIVAL SEA DOGS

The Moncton Wildcats took the first of a two-game New Year's series against Maritimes Division rival, the Saint John Sea Dogs.

Allan Saulnier scored twice, including once short handed, and set up another as Moncton defeated visiting Saint John 5-2 on Saturday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action.

Marek Hrivik had a goal and two assists for the Wildcats(18-19-3), Patrick Delisle-Houde scored a goal and an assist while Ryan Penny added a single goal. James Melindy chipped in with two assists.

Kevin Gagne and Zack Phillips responded for the Sea Dogs (28-12-2), who have lost three games straight for the first time since starting the season 0-3-0.

Roman Will made 32 saves, earning second star of the game and the win, as Mathieu Corbeil stopped 23 shots in defeat.

Moncton went 1 for 2 on the power play while Saint John failed to score on four chances with the man advantage.

These two clubs will meet again on January 2nd when the Wildcats host the Sea Dogs in the back end of their mini series.

Penny opened the scoring just 23 seconds into the first period to give Moncton a 1-0 lead.

The lead lasted under five minutes as Gagne tied the game at 5:10.

Phillips scored at 7:04, giving Saint John a 2-1 lead to take into the second period.

Special teams were important for the Wildcats in the middle period as Saulnier scored his first of the game, short handed at 7:27, and Delisle-Houde followed him up with a power-play goal at 14:56.

Leading after 40 minutes of play, Hrivik scored at 6:40 to give Moncton a 4-2 advantage.

At 12:15, Saulnier scored his second of the game to seal the victory.