Our 18 | THREE QUESTIONS ON THE CAPE BRETON EAGLES

• What’s next after a much-needed postseason run?

For the first time in a long time, the stakes have been raised in Cape Breton thanks to a late-season surge, a playoff series victory for the first time in five years and a run to the league semi-final. Many of the pieces that generated last year’s success remain with the club, including New Jersey Devils prospect Cam Squires, 30-goal scorer Olivier Houde, gritty forward Lucas Romeo and veterans Cole Burbidge and Jacob Newcombe, part of a group of eight eligible returnees that recorded double-digit goals in 2023-24. Added to the lineup will be three-zone threat Noah Reinhart, acquired in recent days from the Drummondville Voltigeurs. The backend will be anchored by third-year player Tomas Lavoie, a 2024 draftee of the Utah Hockey Club. Defensive stalwart Ales Zielinski was acquired from the Moncton Wildcats at the draft, adding to the depth of the club’s already impressive blue line. A pre-season car accident has left overaged blueliner Brayden Schmitt sidelined for an extended period of time.

• What will the new-look goaltending tandem have up its sleeves?

After a training camp trade with Charlottetown brought the Nicolas Ruccia era to an end in Sydney, the torch was officially passed to Jakub Milota, who had one of the most unique experiences possible as a rookie in the ‘Q’. After winning 18 regular season games and posting three shutouts, it was off to the IIHF World Under-18 Hockey Championship in Finland while his junior club was undertaking its memorable postseason run. In the end, Milota’s work earned him a selection by the Nashville Predators at the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. Brandon Lavoie, who backed up Ruccia during last year’s playoffs, has been tabbed for backup duty in his first full QMJHL campaign.

• How many will be watching?

All eyes were on the Eagles last spring as they reached the QMJHL semi-final for the first time in 17 years. On any given night, nearly 5000 pairs of those eyes were sitting in the stands of Center 200, cheering the team on in person and creating something of an attendance renaissance on the Cape, where ushering in fans has been a struggle. With expectations even higher this year, will the good times keeps rolling through the turnstiles? It’s been a long time coming for the Eagles to reach these heights again. With new ongoing promotions and fan experiences, it’s the hope of many that fans don’t take it for granted and the most legendary of experiences – partying Cape Breton hockey lovers – keeps going strong this year.

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2023-2024 Eagles Stats: