Gould led all USHL defensemen in scoring last season, and will look to replace Tommy Bleyl's prodution. Also, news on another new Halifax signing.
The Moncton Wildcats have found plenty of success in the American market in recent years, and hope they've signed another gem on Thursday.
Indeed, the long-rumoured arrival of defenseman Shayne Gould is finally official. The 19-year-old was a second-round pick in the now-defunct QMJHL American draft back in 2023 by the Wildcats, and their pick back then has bloomed now into a signing.
Gould chose to go the USHL route for the majority of his junior career, playing with the Sioux City Musketeers. In 2025-26, he led all blueliners in points with 51 (12+39) in 60 games, a true breakout season for him.
Now, the 5-foot-9 defender will join a Moncton team coming off of back-to-back runs to the QMJHL final, but also one that will undergo a fair bit of turnover heading into the new campaign.
Perhaps most poignantly in Gould's case will be the departure of Tommy Bleyl.
The Nashville Predators first-round pick was initially expected to return to the Wildcats for one more year before joining Michigan State University of the NCAA, but is now taking the jump right away.
This leaves a massive gap for an offensive-minded, power play type of blueliner, a profile and mould that will fit Gould perfectly. He should step into that role and have a ton of offensive opportunity in 2026-27.
According to his Instagram page, the Princeton, MA, native is committed to the NCAA's University of Connecticut.
Also on Thursday, the Halifax Mooseheads have officially signed goaltender Jack Fichthorn for next season.
Like Gould, the 19-year-old goaltender played last season with the USHL's Musketeers, putting up a 13-13-4 record, .889 save percentage and 3.57 goals-against average in 36 games.
He should be fighting for a tandem role in goal for Halifax, and is committed to NCAA Sacred Heart for 2027-28.
Never want to miss out on any QMJHL news? Make sure to book mark THN's QMJHL site.
Also follow @roryyarthur on X/Twitter for more updates.
Read more
