The Moncton Wildcats are launching their playoff ticket package and they’re sweetening the pot for fans.

The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League club has added an extra incentive with a unique new wrinkle. Anyone who purchases a playoff ticket package by the March 5 deadline will receive a free Wildcats jacket that’s custom made by Stormtech.

The Wildcats are sending out playoff ticket package information to existing season ticket holders today. Others who are looking for details on the playoff ticket package and becoming a season ticket holder can visit the Wildcats office or call 382-5555.

“This is the first time that the Wildcats have ever offered a gift like this to season ticket holders,” said Wildcats general manager Jeff Rose. “We sat back and looked at our history with season ticket holders and we felt this is a great time to say thank you.

Information on the packages can be found here: Click Here

“When you purchase a playoff ticket package you are essentially renewing or signing up for your season ticket for next season. When you do that we’re going to get you sized up for a custom made Wildcats jacket. It’s a very nice jacket. If you were to purchase it at retail, it would be about $100.”

Fans can get sized up for their Wildcats jacket all games in February. This will be done from one hour prior to the game until the end of the second intermission in Room A of the Agrena Complex.

Fans can also get sized up at the team’s office during regular business hours.

“You get one jacket per season ticket or season flex ticket,” said Rose. “So, if you buy five season tickets for a family of five you’re going to get five jackets and they come in men’s, women’s and kids’ sizes.

“You need to purchase your playoff ticket package by March 5 in order to get the Wildcats jacket. There’s a 5-6 month lead time to get these Wildcats jackets because it’s a custom order. Fans will be able to pick them up in September with their new 2012-13 season ticket.”

Moncton’s playoff package provides enough tickets for the maximum number of home games the club could have if it advances to the league final. If there are leftover tickets from games not played in the playoffs, fans will have these credited toward their season ticket account for next season.

Season ticket holders receive 36 tickets. This includes the 34-game home schedule in the regular season and two more flex tickets which can be used for any game in the pre-season, regular season or playoffs.

Some other benefits of being a season ticket holder are savings off box office prices, savings at the team’s gift shop, a special skate with the team event, electronic game day notes, some free product at the canteen and escalator tickets which improve your chances to win the 50-50 draw.

The Wildcats offer split payment and six-month payment plans for season tickets.

“If you’re interested in being a season ticket holder, this is the time to do it,” said Rose. “This jacket is a one-time offer as a thank you to our fans. We also feel we’re going to be a very strong team next season and certainly we would love to have 2,500 people walking around town wearing Wildcats jackets.

“People can see what seats are avalible on our ‘Real Time Season Ticket Map.’ This will allow them to see what’s already taken and what’s still available for season ticket seating.”

Moncton, 23-23-3-2, is fourth in the Maritime Division and 11th overall in the 17-team league.

The Wildcats will begin a stretch of four consecutive road games when they meet the Halifax Mooseheads tomorrow. Their next home outing is against the Acadie-Bathurst Titan on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. at the Moncton Coliseum.

The Wildcats have 2,222 season tickets, down from last season’s total of 2,400. The club is typically in the range of 2,100 to 2,500 season tickets.

“It tends to fluctuate depending on various factors,” said Rose. “If you’re coming off a strong season or if you’re anticipating going into a strong season, that plays a key role in terms of season ticket sales.”

Moncton is averaging 3,950 fans with eight home games remaining, but look for this number to increase with some big events in February. The club averaged 4,570 fans last season when it benefitted from the extra excitement of coming off winning a championship in 2009-10.

The Wildcats are having United Way Night for their Feb. 17 game. Businesses, government agencies and community groups will offer their people the chance to buy $15 tickets with $5 going to the United Way. Ticket buyers will receive $100 in coupons to various local businesses.

The Wildcats are holding Elementary/Middle School Nights for their Feb. 17-18 games. Coupons for buy one ticket and get one free will be distributed to the schools.

The Feb. 18 game is also Moncton Minor Hockey Night and the last Super Saturday event of the season with fans getting the chance to win $125,000 in prizes. The Wildcats games on Feb. 25-26 are tied into the Timbits Minor Hockey Tournament so the stadium will be loaded with enthusiastic kids.

“February is a busy month between the launch of our playoff ticket package and some big individual game events,” said Rose. “It’s an exciting time of the year as everyone pays more attention to the standings and starts to get in playoff mindset.”

■ Neil Hodge is a Times & Transcript sports reporter who covers the Moncton Wildcats.