After starting the season with a perfect opening weekend on the road, the Moncton Wildcats are finally coming home.
The Wildcats will welcome the Charlottetown Islanders to the Avenir Centre on Saturday night for their 2026-27 home opener, with puck drop scheduled for 7 p.m. However, the festivities begin well before game time as the organization prepares one of its biggest nights of the season.
Before the action gets underway, the Wildcats will pay tribute to the late Robert K. Irving during a special pre-game ceremony. The event will bring together members of the Irving family, Wildcats alumni, staff, and community leaders to honour a figure whose influence stretched far beyond hockey and left a lasting impact across New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada.
Once the puck drops, fans can expect an intense early-season showdown between two familiar Maritime Division rivals.
Moncton enters the game riding the momentum of consecutive victories to open the campaign, including a 4-3 win over Charlottetown earlier this month. The Islanders will be looking for quick revenge, while the Wildcats hope to continue their strong start and give home fans plenty to cheer about.
There’s already plenty of excitement surrounding this year’s roster.
Recent acquisition Liam Kilfoil has made an immediate impact with five points in his first two games wearing a Wildcats jersey, while Niko Tournas has picked up right where he left off, highlighted by a hat trick against Halifax during opening weekend.
Fans attending Saturday’s game will also receive a few extras. “Go Cats Go” rally towels will be waiting on seats throughout the arena, while the first 2,000 fans through the doors will receive a complimentary 2026-27 magnetic schedule.
Adding to the excitement, Wild Willie is expected to introduce the newest member of the Wildcats family during the first intermission.
Tailgate Party Starts the Celebration
The party gets underway at 4 p.m. outside the Avenir Centre with a family-friendly tailgate featuring:
- Live music
- Food trucks
- Face painting and bouncy castles
- Sponsor activations
- A vehicle display
Arena doors open at 5:30 p.m., giving fans plenty of time to enjoy special Powerplay concession pricing before taking their seats.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Tailgate party begins at 4 p.m.
- Avenir Centre doors open at 5:30 p.m.
- Puck drop is 7 p.m.
- The 50/50 draw features a guaranteed $25,000 jackpot.
- One lucky fan will have a chance to shoot for $10,000.
- New merchandise will be available at the Wildcats Boutique.
- Group tickets remain available for all home games.
With a hot start, a division rival in town, and a full evening of entertainment planned, the Wildcats are hoping to turn Saturday’s home opener into a memorable night both on and off the ice. The stage is set for another loud crowd at the Avenir Centre as Moncton begins its home schedule in front of the faithful for the first time this season.
Comments