Our 18 | Three Questions on the 2023-24 Cape Breton Eagles

Has stability been found behind the bench in the Cape?

The past few years have featured a carousel of coaches behind the Eagles’ bench. This time, the reins have been handed to someone who is no stranger to Q fans. Louis Robitaille is already placing his stamp on a group that is primed for a climb through the league standings. Last time Robitaille entered a similar situation, he sent the Gatineau Olympiques to a top-four finish in the QMJHL standings and a berth in the Gilles-Courteau Trophy semifinals. Now bringing in a decade’s worth of head coaching experience to his new location, Robitaille will be looking to improve upon that finish and earn the first QMJHL title of his career.

Who will help the Eagles take the next step up in the standings?

The loss of last season’s leading scorers, Ivan Ivan and Samuel Johnson, will be a challenge to replace. One of the obvious solutions is Cam Squires, who parlayed a 30-goal campaign into a selection by the New Jersey Devils at the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. He’ll be joined up front by off-season acquisitions Cole Burbidge (from Saint John) and Cam MacDonald (from Gatineau). Veterans Zach Biggar and Brayden Schmitt will be relied upon to anchor the blue line, while a crop of sophomores that includes Olivier Houde, Will Shields and Tomas Lavoie will see increased responsibilities. Czech netminder Jakub Milota, fresh off a silver medal at the 2023 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, will jockey for time in the crease with the returning Nicolas Ruccia.

Is a playoff round victory in the cards in 2024?

It’s been five seasons since the club appeared in the second round of the postseason. Though hard to predict in September, it’s not hard to see all of the pieces coming together to make this a reality come the Spring. A bolstered roster and a fresh face putting the pieces in place will go a long way. Then there’s how this club stacks up against the competition, with this group primed to make things very interesting in the Maritimes Divisions standings. A stronger showing among those key opponents may be the final piece of the puzzle that places the Eagles in a more favorable position come round one and, if all bodes well, with a shot at a ticket for round two.

_

2022-2023 Stats: