Cleary scores in Mooseheads loss
2026-08-21
The Halifax Mooseheads opened their 2026 preseason schedule on a humid Friday night at Dalhousie University’s Oulton-Stanish Centre, falling 5-1 to the Cape Breton Eagles in a matchup featuring prospect-heavy lineups on both sides.
With no returning veteran players dressed for either club, the game offered an early look at the next wave of talent hoping to earn spots in their respective organizations.
The Mooseheads struck first when 2026 draft pick Chase Cleary opened the scoring in the first period. Cleary finished off a crisp setup from fellow June selection Jack Cameron, hammering home a shot to give Halifax a 1-0 lead. Nathan Ruel picked up the secondary assist on the play.
That would prove to be the lone offensive highlight for the home side, however, as Cape Breton took control the rest of the way. The Eagles received two goals apiece from Owen Frick and Brayden Reynolds, while Sean Millen added the other marker. All five Cape Breton goals came from American-born players.
Halifax generated plenty of opportunities and finished with a 31-28 edge in shots, but couldn’t solve the Eagles’ netminders after Cleary’s early tally.
The visitors went 3-for-5 on the power play while the Herd struck out on seven chances with the man advantage.
In goal, Carson Mertz got the start for the Mooseheads and turned aside 13 of 14 shots before giving way midway through the game. William Laplante handled the final 28:51 and stopped 10 of the 14 shots he faced.
Another bright spot for Halifax came from fourth-round draft pick Sam Fishbone, who led both teams with four hits and made his presence felt throughout the contest.
The two Maritime rivals won’t have to wait long for a rematch. Halifax and Cape Breton are back in action Saturday night when the preseason series shifts to Membertou, NS, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00pm.
