Thursday, July 1, 2010

Islanders in the 'Q'

Over a dozen Islanders appeared in Quebec Major Junior Hockey action this season.
Brandon Gormley: The most publicized Islander in the QMJHL, Gormley had another solid season with the Moncton Wildcats. In his second season with the club his offensive numbers skyrocketed and he was an instrumental part of the Wildcats team who won the QMJHL title and participated in the Memorial Cup tournament. He won the Mike Bossy trophy as the league’s top professional prospect and was also named a QMJHL second team All-Star. Brandon entered the NHL draft as one of the top prospects and was drafted 13th overall by the Phoenix Coyotes. Unless he has an unbelievable training camp for the Coyotes Gormley is expected to return to the Wildcats next season. He is also expected to received strong consideration from the 2010 World Junior Hockey Team selection committee.

Randy Cameron: The 2010 QMJHL champion Moncton Wildcats had another Islander who was a vital part of their success. In his last QMJHL season Cameron was a point per game player in both the regular season and playoffs. In Moncton’s run to the league championship he potted 13 goals in only 21 games. To go along with his superb offensive skill Cameron is also a good two way player and is praised for his defensive efforts. A 2007 Detroit Red Wing draft pick, Cameron was not signed by the team and his future remains uncertain.

Cole MacMillan: Younger bother of Anaheim prospect Logan and son of NHLer Bob MacMillan, Cole spent the majority of the season with the Summerside Capitals of the MJAHL. He was recalled by the Moncton Wildcats for 7 regular season games and tallied no points. When he was recalled again mid way through QMJHL playoffs he did not disappoint. With 4 points in 9 games he contributed to the Wildcats President Cup winning season. He also played a regular shift when Moncton challenged for the Memorial Cup. Cole is also a star soccer player, Wildcat coach Danny Flynn commented on his future, “we're hopeful that he'll make a full-time commitment to the Wildcats next season because he brings a lot of good things to the table. He's certainly indicated he's leaning towards dedicating himself to hockey." (Full Story)

Will Johnston: The 6'3", 210 lb tough guy made his QMJHL debut this year when he was recalled on two separate occasions by the Saint John Sea Dogs, playing in a total of 5 regular season games. He scored one goal and engaged in a fight with Kalin Paul of the Screaming Eagles, a match he won unanimously. The former Shawinigan Cataractes draft pick was acquired by Saint John this summer. He lead the MJAHL in penalty minutes this season with 224. Johnston also appeared in additional 9 post season games for the Sea Dogs putting up no points. With teams only allowed a limited number of 20 year olds on their roster it is unlikely that Johnston will play in the Q next year.

Brendan Wright: The PEI Rocket tough guy and fan favorite played 50 games this year tallying 85 penalty minutes. Wright scored 1 goal and 3 points all year but wasn’t expected to contribute offensively. The 6.01, 210 lb right winger played with his body and fists. He will be remembered for his bone crunching body checks and exciting fights. The Rocket already have a slew of over agers so expect to see Wright pounding away in another league next year.

Chris Doyle: Although Doyle put up solid offensive numbers this year his season was riddled with controversy when he was charged with assault in late September (Full Story). The long time PEI Rocket was traded to the Victoriaville Tigres midway through the season and put up 36 points in 29 games with his new club. He also helped the Tigres reach the third round of the QMJHL playoffs. Although he is a New York Rangers prospect his future remains uncertain largely due to attitude problems.

Josh Currie: The PEI Rocket rookie had an exceptional season. Injuries limited him to 49 games but he still netted 9 goals and 15 points. At times he was the best player on the ice and he will undoubtedly be back in Charlottetown next year. He has a bright future ahead of him in the Q.

Brent Andrews: This season was largely a learning experience for the Halifax Mooseheads rookie. Brent contributed 16 points while playing on a weak Mooseheads team. The 16 year old forward was invited to Team Canada’s under 18 training camp this summer. His role is expected to get bigger for Halifax as he continues to develop.

Jordan Costello: Jordan made his QMJHL debut with Halifax and played a minor role on the team. He was a healthy scratch for much of the season and appeared in only 32 games as he also suffered from a broken thumb that required surgery. The hard working left winger scored one goal and two points. With Halifax expected to ice a young team next season it is unlikely that Costello will return.

Dylan McGuigan: After breaking his hand during training camp McGuigan finally made his QMJHL debut late into the season. Dylan was recalled from the Truro Bearcats in January and played so well that he was immediately put on the roster for the remainder of the season. He did not score any points in his 14 games with the Mooseheads but impressed coach Cam Russell with his physical play. McGuigan’s debut also marked an interesting moment for the 3 Islanders on the Halifax team. McGuigan, Jordan Costello and Brent Andrews were not only teammates before playing in Halifax but they were all linemates for the Conrwall Thunder major midget team. McGuigan is expected to suit up for Halifax again next season.

Morgan Ellis: In his second season with the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, Ellis won the team’s most improved player award. He was a solid presence on the blue line all year and also contributed 29 points to the team’s offense. He capped off a great year by being selected by the Montreal Canadiens in this years NHL draft. A born leader, Ellis was already named Cape Breton’s team captain for next season.

Jordan Moore: The defenseman made his Q debut this year when he played 45 games for the Acadie-Bathurst Titan. He was a depth player for the Titan and tallied 3 points and 19 penalty minutes through his first major junior season. He was recently traded to the PEI Rocket were he will probably assume the same role as he did with the Titan, a depth player.

Matt Boyle: The 20 year old Defenseman played his final Q season for the Lewiston Maineiacs. The veteran of over a 100 games with the Moncton Wildcats was traded to Lewiston last August in order to make room for other overagers. In Lewiston he anchored the teams defense and also contributed 17 points through 62 regular season games. When the Maineiacs were eliminated from the QMJHL playoffs, Boyle was contacted by the Texas Brahmas of the Central Hockey League and played his made his professional hockey debut while he suited up in 6 playoff games for the club. His future remains uncertain but playing minor pro hockey is certainly an option.

Travis McIsaac: The centerman played his third season of hockey in Victoriaville. Since his rookie season with the club he has double his point production each season and this year he amassed an impressive 57 points in 68 games. He continued scoring into the post season and helped the Tigres make it all the way to the third round as he added 7 goals and 13 points in 16 games. McIsaac will be returning to PEI next year as he was recently traded to the Rocket. McIsaac will be expected to contribute leadership and put up strong offensive numbers next season.

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