During the 2019-2020 QMJHL season, the Moncton Wildcats were on top of the standings and on the verge of a promising playoff run. However, the pandemic put everything on pause and eventually, the season was cancelled, leaving players like Kyle Foreman extremely disappointed. The Woodstock NB native played over 100 games with the Wildcats’ organization over a span of three seasons and finished the 2019-2020 campaign with 10 points, including 8 goals in 49 games. As regretful as it is that his team’s push for a championship was suddenly halted, Foreman’s addition to the Grand Falls Rapids a year later has been more than welcomed. With a production of 15 points in only 14 games, he is among the Rapids’ leading scorers and his experience gained in the QMHJL has brought many positives to his teammates and the organization alike.
“Kyle is a leader for our team both on and off the ice”, mentions Brad Mackenzie, the Rapids’ head coach. “On the ice, he is a player that we trust in all situations. He leads by example as he plays the right way and wants what is best for the team. I think his greatest strength is his high hockey IQ. This allows him to play key situations both offensively and defensively. As part of our leadership group, Kyle is really a mentor for a lot of our younger players. He does an excellent job at helping to build a positive environment where everyone can feel a part of the team.”
Foreman would be the first to admit that his experience in the QMJHL has helped him progress as a player.
“I was fortunate to play with many players that I feel are going to have long careers of pro hockey and I was able to learn a lot by watching them and sharing the ice with them,” mentions the 20-year-old forward. “Playing in the Q has helped me with the Rapids because I feel I see the game in a different way, meaning that in some situations, when other players feel they have no options, I can find the space or make the pass that keeps the play going.”
Foreman has learned many great lessons throughout his hockey career, especially the friendships he gained with teammates on every team he played.
“The main lesson I have learned has been to live in the moment. When I was 16, I was a little naive. When the older players would tell me to treasure my time and to make the most out of it, I didn’t really believe them because I had 5 years of junior left, which felt like a long time. Now I’m in my fourth year and it feels like yesterday that I started and I’m wishing I could make it last longer.”
Foreman played the majority of his minor hockey in his hometown of Woodstock where at the time were host to the MHL Slammers. After joining his regional AAA Pee-Wee team, he had great success with the Bantam AAA North West Bulls, picking up 23 points in 26 games. During his second year of Bantam, he joined an Ontario prep school team where he played two seasons in Midget. In his second season, he was drafted by the Moncton Wildcats and played that fall (2017-2018) for the Woodstock Slammers where he scored 13 goals and added 11 assists for 24 points in 45 games played. Foreman would play a total of 64 games for the Wildcats the following season, including 10 playoff games.
As he dreams of playing university hockey after junior, Foreman is enjoying his stay in Grand Falls and likes the depth that he sees on his team.
“I love everything about our team this year. We have a dedicated group that recognizes what we have to do to win. Our main strength is how deep our team is, as every player has made a great impact, and everyone can play in all game situations.”
Foreman has felt at home in Grand Falls and feels the passion that the fans have for the game.
“My experience in Grand Falls has been nothing but awesome. When I got here, I instantly felt the passion the town has for hockey. I also can’t speak highly enough of my billets, Pat and Colette, as they have opened their house to me and made the transition seamless for me.”
As everyone crosses their fingers that the MHL season can resume for the Rapids in the upcoming weeks, the team is preparing hard for a return to action. Players like Kyle Foreman will have a pivotal role if the team expects to go a long way, not only for his contribution on the offensive front, but also because of his experience and strong leadership. As it has been the case since the beginning of the campaign, Foreman has played a key part to the Rapids’ success thus far this season.
Patrick Thibault
KYLE FOREMAN
Hometown: Woodstock, New Brunswick
Date of birth: January 19, 2001
Position: center/left wing, shoots left
Height and weight: 6’ 1 195lbs
Best on-ice hockey moment: his first QMJHL goal
Favorite hockey player: David Pastrnak
Favorite team: Calgary Flames
Player most likely to model his style after: Patrice Bergeron
Favorite movie: The Gentlemen
Favorite TV show: Vikings
Favorite sports outside of hockey: Fishing
Favorite quote: “Hydration beats talent when talent doesn’t hydrate“ – from Adam Fowlow