Not even an early playoff exit could ruin what was a dream season for Moncton Wildcats Ted Stephens and Jordan Lane.

The Yukon players helped the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) team in New Brunswick finish with an incredible 45 more points than it did in the 2007-08 season.

In fact, Moncton more than doubled its win total from the previous year, finishing in third place with a record of 48-14-2. The Wildcats tied a league record by earning points in its first 20 games (18-0-2).

"Going into this year we weren't really expecting much, but we just had a good start and basically just took it from there," Stephens said.

Stephens is more of a goal scoring player, while Lane brings a more physical element on the ice. The two contrasting ways to play resulted in Moncton having a much more diverse hockey team.

The team's success ran out earlier in April in its five-game series with the Rimouski Oceanic. Rimouski was best team in the second half of QMJHL season and had won 28 of 30, heading into its tilt against Moncton.

The Wildcat's 4-1 series defeat came after losing three games by just one goal, being outscored 10-8 overall.

"We were expecting to go a little farther, but we ran into a pretty good team and couldn't get it done," Stephens said. "They were the best team in the second half."

Moncton struggled a little on the powerplay and could only manage one goal with the extra man against the Oceanic.

Despite losing to Rimouski in the quarter finals, both Yukoners agreed that this was, by far, their best and most enjoyable hockey season.

Stephens took a gigantic step forward in his second season in Moncton. He followed up a five point 2007-08 season by scoring 12 goals and adding 29 assists. Stephens finished with a plus 20 rating at the conclusion of the 68 game schedule.

He may have finished with even more points if it hadn't been for a broken arm suffered in November, which took around six weeks to properly heal.

Thankfully Stephens didn't have to deal with any injuries in the playoffs. With his health in check, Stephens went on to lead his team in post-season scoring, chipping in five goals and six assists in 10 playoff games.

Stephens contribution in the playoffs was essential in the teams 4-1 series victory over the P.E.I. Rocket, in the first round.

"I had a pretty good playoff," he said. "I didn't really know what to expect going in, I just tried to play hard every shift. I guess it worked out pretty good."

He admitted to having the Memorial Cup on his mind, adding playing for it is the ultimate goal in major junior hockey.

"That's everyone's goal in major junior," Stephens said. "It was definitely our goal to win our league and go to the Memorial Cup."

Lane played a total of 43 games in his first season on the Wildcats. He said the team took a lot of pride in this year's turnaround.

"To go from one of the worst teams in the league to being a top contender, that was great."

Lane, unfortunately, didn't see any games in the playoffs, but despite sitting out being tough he respected his coaches decision to put the most competitive team on the ice.

"I am pleased with that total, you can always play more, but I a more than happy with that," Lane said. "I knew I wasn't going to play every game, but I knew I was going to play my role and that's what I did."

Some of Lane's highlights during the season include playing his first game, having his family come out in November and competing against hockey rivals St. John's Fog Devils and Halifax Mooseheads.

"This was by far the most exciting season I have had," he said. "The whole experience was a blast, I have nothing but good to say about the team."

Lane said he hopes to be back in Moncton for the 2009-10 season.

"If it was my choice I would love to be back in Moncton," he said. "It's the best organization I have ever been on. I would love to go back and finish off my junior career there. I've never had a better time with any other team."