Another significant hockey event for the City of Moncton.
It has been chosen to host the 2024 QMJHL entry draft.
Q League Commissioner Mario Cecchini says this is a day many players never forget, “It is the initial contact, all the players and their families with the people behind the logo and every one of our team, people that will guide them, support them, push them.”
The draft will be held on June 7th and 8th at the Avenir Centre.
“We hosted the draft in 2009 and showed that Moncton is a Major Junior Hockey city. I can remember that draft quite vividly, it was an exciting time for the team,” says Moncton Wildcats Owner and President Robert Irving.
Moncton will also host the 2024 Kubota CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in January.
Events Moncton Co-Chair Bill Whalen admits he hasn’t seen an economic prediction for these events yet, but he anticipates it will be upwards of $10 million.
“1300 room nights and that is in a time in early to mid-June when we are not at our peak, plus add the restaurants, the bars and the shopping and everything that goes with it. Our commitment to the event was $150, 000, of which we are going to get some from different levels of government. This is a huge tourism opportunity,” Whalen says.
He gives credit to the Avenir Centre which he says won rave reviews from those who participated in the 2023 World Juniors event. and having an area surrounding the centre that can be programmed in all four seasons is also a bonus.
(Photo: QMJHL YouTube)
“Just imagine, when people come to the top prospects game, there will be people skating on the Ian Fowler oval, with bands playing on the stage, campfires in the firepits with smores being served and food trucks lining Canada’s street with a variety of local and international fare,” Whalen adds.
He says their goal is to have people as part of the event whether they are inside the rink or outside, and for the draft in June, music on the stage with kids playing ball hockey in the oval and hundreds of fans wanting to be a part of the excitement that is the Quebec Major Junior Hockey league.
“We look forward to welcoming these young players and their families to Moncton for this pivotal moment in their athletic careers,” says Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold. “We are delighted the Moncton Wildcats have the opportunity to play host to the QMJHL Entry Draft in 2024. The Wildcats are a unique part of our community, both off and on the ice, and we are excited to greet these new players who will go on to make their own important contributions to communities across the Maritimes and Quebec.”
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