Marquardt rolling

Matt Marquardt stretches before a late February game against the Halifax Mooseheads. Photo by Scott Winters.

By Steve Freyer

So much for the so called rebuilding process the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League were predicted to endure this season. Thanks to 19-year-old North Bay native Matt Marquardt; newly sworn in 40 goal man, the rebuilding process isn’t in the picture.
Not only does Marquardt lead his team in points with 67 in 64 games played, he just recently tied the team record for most goals in a game with 4 in a 4-2 win over the St. John’s Fog Devils on March 3, reaching the amazing 40 goal plateau in that game. The Wildcats have relied heavily upon their second year star for goals this year. With three overtime game winning goals so far this season in which two came against the top two teams in the league, Marquardt hasn’t disappointed, establishing himself as a ‘go-to-guy’ or ‘clutch’ player.

“Without Matty I think we’d be in a really tough spot for scoring goals, he scores big goals for us. There’s one thing of having a goal scorer but there’s another having a guy who scores big goals when a game is 2-2 or we’re down 2-1 late in a game with a minute left and that’s what he brings to our hockey team,” Wildcats Head coach John Torchetti explained.

Matt’s dedication to his team, knack for finding the net, leadership on and off the ice have all been much needed, critical contributions for a Moncton team that has 14 rookies on it’s roster this year. Torchetti thinks Marquardt’s hard work is paying off.

“I think he’s a strong powerful forward who’s got a fantastic shot coming off the left wing and Matty’s game has really come around for us, he’s one of our assistant captains and his leadership with 14 rookies comes through with his play on the ice and his work ethic,” Torchetti said of the team’s leading goal scorer and point producer.

The big 6’2” power forward left winger is becoming a good, all around player who can play a rough game to go along with his skill game, placing fourth amongst his teammates in penalty minutes with 68, while posting sniper-like numbers such as 40 goals. Marquardt has spent time fine tuning his all around game this year and his coach says he’s (coach) seen steady progress.

“One of the things for Matty’s overall game for him to improve on this year was his defensive play and his wall work, and those are the things he’s really improved on with his film work after practice to make him a better player and one of our best leaders,” Torchetti explained.

After winning the QMJHL title last year and hosting the Memorial Cup, the Wildcats were pretty much dismantled after the season, with only a handful of players returning to play this year alongside a boat load of rookies. People didn’t expect Moncton (37-24-4-2) to be sitting tied for fourth in the standings with Gatineau and P.E.I, who each have 80 points apiece. “We’re doing really well, not too many people thought we were going to have the season that we’ve had so far,” Marquardt said of his team’s success.

“It was a pretty special thing we had last year, so this year the expectations weren’t too high, but the young guys that we did bring in and the guys we brought back really did the job,” Marquardt added.

As this scoring machine continues to flourish putting the puck by goaltenders and guiding his team into the playoffs, Moncton coach John Torchetti believes Columbus’ 7th round pick (194th overall) in the 2006 NHL entry draft was a steal and that Marquardt has the tools to make it in the NHL in the near future.

“Oh yes he does”, Torchetti said, referring to Marquardt’s chances in playing in the NHL.

“I think he’s applied himself this year and with this upcoming off season this is a really big year for him training wise. It’s all about the off-season training, for him getting in the best shape he can and being under 10% body fat, it’s all about conditioning for him. He has all the tools, the shot, the weight, the smarts and the overall drive to be an NHL player.”

Marquardt’s impressive goal output and overall improvement can be attributed to his hard work alone, but Marquardt shares the credit with the two head coaches(Ted Nolan and John Torchetti) that have been with the club since his arrival, both coaches have been bench boss’ in the NHL.

“Great relationship, we work well together,” Marquardt said. “Sometimes it’s a little tougher but that makes our relationship stronger and we really open to one another, we talk about everything.”

Although Marquardt is far from his hometown, the former Centennial fan follows the OHL bid situation closely and has always been optimistic, hoping that OHL hockey would some day return to North Bay.

“I grew up watching the Centennials and watching junior hockey in North Bay. That was the thing to do every Friday or Sunday night. I loved going there and it was a dream to someday play there,” Marquardt explained.

"It was kind of sad when they left, but it would be great to get it back because North Bay is a great hockey community and they deserve another team.”

Matt Marquardt leads the Wildcats into battle against first place Lewiston when they host the MAINEiacs at the Moncton Coliseum on Wednesday night.