The Halifax Mooseheads’ last-place finish in 2008-09 isn’t all bad news. It might actually help them this season.
Thanks to the second-worst finish in franchise history, the Herd gets first crack at any players waived by the QMJHL’s 17 other teams during training camp. There are occasionally capable 19-year-olds sitting on the waiver wire.
The Mooseheads picked up defenceman Nick Goyens off waivers from the Moncton Wildcats two seasons ago. He was a decent contributor, although he was kicked off the team later in the campaign for disciplinary reasons.
“Every now and then you get somebody who can come in and help you out,” Mooseheads GM Cam Russell said.
The Mooseheads open training camp for their 16th season on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Cole Harbour Place.
THREE ALUMNI CONFIRMED: The Mooseheads announced yesterday that Alexandre Picard, Robbie Sutherland and Ali MacEachern will compete in the alumni game against Halifax Regional Police. The game is Aug. 23 at 3:30 p.m. at the Forum, just before the Herd’s pre-season opener.
Picard plays for the Ottawa Senators. Sutherland and MacEachern served as captains for the Mooseheads.
RIOPEL INKS NHL DEAL: Nicola Riopel, who set a handful of QMJHL records with the Moncton Wildcats last season, has reportedly signed with the Philadelphia Flyers and is not expected to return to junior for his over-age campaign.
