Leonard Excited to Get Things Started with the Wildcats

Persistence, passion and perseverance has been the driving force behind Liam Leonard’s journey in the game.

The Moncton Wildcats acquired the 19 year old gritty two-way forward earlier today from the Acadie Bathurst Titan.

It’s the second time Leonard has been traded in his QMJHL career.

“My time in Bathurst was very special,” confessed Leonard.

“I was fortunate to have amazing billets. My billet family made me feel like I was at home every single day.”

“I made friendships that I will keep and cherish forever,” Leonard said.

Leonard has missed the last few weeks of action due to an upper body injury.

Leonard practiced with the Titan a few times after Christmas and is now ready to go.

“The staff in Bathurst were first class, it was an amazing experience and I’m so glad I got to start my QMJHL career in Bathurst.”

Leonard will bring unwavering energy, enthusiasm speed, skill and much needed grit to the Cats bottom six.

So what does it mean to the veteran winger to have the opportunity to be part of a Wildcat team with championship aspirations?

“It’s a huge honour and very special for me to be here in Moncton and have the opportunity to win a championship,” Leonard said.

“I am very excited to get things going.”

Leonard practiced with his new team earlier this afternoon.

“Everything here is very professional and I’m just very excited to get things going and chase a championship.”

Leonard was traded for fellow Newfoundlander sharpe shooting winger Mark Rumsey.

Rumsey has the potential to be a 20 goal scorer in the Q, nevertheless Leonard’s impact on the lineup will be equally important for the Cats moving forward on their path to a potential championship.

Leonard has the ability to play up and down the lineup and is a solid penalty killer and also has a knack for finding the net.

It may be hard to believe, but Leonard and Rumsey never played together growing up on the rock.

For obvious reasons this time of year can be very stressful for QMJHL players and their families.

“It wasn’t too difficult being traded,” admitted Leonard.

“The hardest part in my opinion is leaving behind some great billets and some great friends that I will never forget.”

“To have the chance to come to such an amazing organization and chase after a championship is an amazing feeling.”

“I am extremely excited to get things going with the Wildcats and go for a big run.”

It’s unclear where the Clarenville, Newfoundland product will slot in to the Cats lineup, but you can guarantee one thing Liam Leonard will bring his best shift in shift out in whatever role he’s given.

Character, grit, determination and a a team first mentality, that’s Liam Leonard.