Moncton Wildcats down Halifax Mooseheads 4-0 in opener

HALIFAX -- The Moncton Wildcats spoiled the Halifax Mooseheads' party.

Cody Drover scored twice and Alex Dubeau made 28 saves Thursday as Moncton shut out Halifax 4-0 in first game of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League season.

Prior to the opening faceoff, the Mooseheads raised banners to honour last season's QMJHL championship and Memorial Cup title.

But Halifax has a much different look this season, with forwards Nathan MacKinnon, who was taken first overall at the NHL draft by the Colorado Avalanche, and Jonathan Drouin, the No. 3 pick by the Tampa Bay Lightning, expected to stick with their NHL clubs.

Also missing is Zachary Fucale, last season's starting goalie, who is attending the Montreal Canadiens' training camp after being selected in the second round.

Ivan Barbashev added a goal and an assist for Moncton, while Ryan Penny also scored.

Kevin Darveau made 29 saves in the loss for Halifax.

The Wildcats finished the night 1-for-4 on the power play, while the Mooseheads wound up 0-for-6.