There's a reason why I'm not a scout. Last weekend, while watching the Wildcats battle the Halifax Mooseheads, I was reminded for about the 2,000th time in my hockey watching life why that is.
Back in 2009, I was part of the on-air crew from Rogers TV that covered the Atlantic major midget championships in Saint John. Watching the Mooseheads and Wildcats in recent years always reminds me of that tournament. In addition to the host Saint John Vitos, there were appearances by the Cornwall Thunder, featuring current Mooseheads Brent Andrews and Darcy Ashley, the St. John's Fog Devils, featuring Moose dman Steve Gillard (and - at the time - Cats prospect Zach O'Brien)... then there was the eventual tournament champions, the Moncton Flyers... featuring current Moose dman Trey Lewis, Sea Dogs blueliner Pierre Durepos and a pair of high scoring forwards... twin brothers Allain and Alex Saulnier.
At the time, I recall the bigger hype was around Allain. He led the league that season with 33 goals and 85 points in 35 regular season games. His brother Alex tallied 80 points in his own right, but for some reason many respectable people I had spoken with had Allain pegged as the most talented of the two. There was some talk about whether or not Alex could even make the jump to major junior. Of course, when you hear the same opinion enough times, one can become convinced of it. I remember driving home after covering the tournament finals and thinking "Yeah... that Allain is great... but I don't know how well Alex will succeed... if he cracks a major junior roster".
That June, the Wildcats played host to the QMJHL entry draft. In the fourth round, Moncton selected Allain Saulnier at slot #69. At that point, it seemed like only a matter of time before the Cats would call out Alex's name. Sure enough, in the very next round - at spot # 88, Moncton made their move and selected Allain's twin brother. Part of me was intrigued at the notion of having the talented twins donning the Cats uniform... however, that part of me that has the habit of both cynicism and listening to any and all opinions had the concern that these picks were one part dubious drafting, one part promotional stunt.
I repeat... the game is better off with me not being a scout.
Here we are, three full seasons removed from that hot June day at the Coliseum and the Saulniers have only put up over 400 points between them (Allain's nine in the past week earning him first star honors in the Q), played vital roles on the Wildcats PK corps and can claim (up to this point) a President's Cup ring each, won as rookies in 2010. They also wear the "C" as co-captains on this year's team while playing more often than not with an intensity that is palpable all the way up to the press box. This is without mentioning the fact that they have - for much of the last two seasons - carried this team offensively while playing the role of two of the most noteworthy ambassadors the franchise has ever known. My only (frivolous) knock on them is one beyond their control... they are way too easy marks for three star selections... however, I suppose when you're that good, it's the type of thing that comes with the territory.
The twins have shown how far commitment and determination can take a person in this world - both sporting and non-sporting. They're also a great example of the success you can achieve when you don't put a great deal of stock into the opinions of some. Since the heydays of their midget careers, they have proven alot of people wrong... and for that, the fans of Greater Moncton are ever so grateful.
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