Spence traded to Val-d’Or and Wildcats pick up top goaltending prospect

MONCTON – The Moncton Wildcats have traded defenseman and Assistant Captain, Jordan Spence to the Val-d’Or Foreurs. In return the Wildcats have acquired goaltender Vincent Filion, a fourth round pick in 2022 and a first round pick in 2023.

Filion was drafted 6th overall by the Foreurs in the 2020 QMJHL entry draft, making him the highest selected goaltender since Olivier Rodrigue in 2016. The 16-year-old from Shawinigan, QC played last season with the Trois-Rivières Estacades of the QMAAA. In 22 games played Vincent recorded a 2.07 GAA, 0.928 save percentage and held a 14-6-0 record in the regular season. He was named to the QMAAA second All-Star Team in 2019-2020 and also represented Team Canada at the Youth Olympic Games in Lausanne Switzerland, where he brought home the bronze medal.

“Vincent is a goalie we liked last year and had targeted at the draft,” said Director of Hockey Operations, Ritchie Thibeau. “When we had the opportunity to acquire him as part of this trade we were very excited. Vincent is a very good young goalie; we are excited to work with him to develop his skills and his game to maximize his potential.”

Vincent will be joining the team here in Moncton for the second half of the season, following his arrival and 14-day quarantine period.

We would like to take a moment to thank Jordan Spence for his two and a half years here in Moncton. He has been an instrumental part of our team, and a leader on and off the ice.
Coming into the league as a 17-year-old he immediately made people take notice, winning QMJHL Rookie of the Year, as well as QMJHL Defensive Rookie of the Year during the 2018-2019 season, posting 49 points in 68 games, the most points of a rookie defenseman that season. Rewind to last year and Spence once again dominated the blueline, winning QMJHL Defenseman of the Year with 52 points in 60 games.

“We drafted Jordan as a 17-year-old, and it has been a pleasure to watch his development on and off the ice” added Thibeau. “Jordan is a pro in everything he does. I want to thank him for his commitment and leadership during his time with the Wildcats.”

Jordan gave this city some great memories, and we wish him all the best in Val-d’Or.