Kevin Northup

About Kevin Northup

Kevin Northup has been a reporter and news anchor for more than 15 years. He is based in Yarmouth and covers stories locally and across Nova Scotia. Contact Kevin at northupk@radioabl.ca.

Posts by Kevin Northup:

November 2 2026

Mariners get first win over Summerside since 2024

Kevin Northup Sports mariners, yarmouth

Nine-hundred and fifty-nine days and 22 games.

That’s how long it had been since the Yarmouth Mariners defeated the Summerside Western Capitals in an MHL game.

The Mariners ended the streak with a 5-3 win in front of 930 fans at Mariners Centre on Sunday.

Their last win came on March 17, 2024, Game 2 of the first round of the playoffs.

The Caps would win the next three of that series, and 19 regular season games since.

Mariners Head Coach and GM Laurie Barron says it was in the back of his mind.

“It’s been too long. We’ve had a couple of leads against them. They’re a great hockey club, and too many times we weren’t able to get to the finish line against them. We would have liked to have two wins against them this weekend, but we’ll take the two points,” said Barron.

The Mariners lost 4-1 to the Capitals on home ice Saturday, after Summerside won two games over Yarmouth last weekend in their barn.

The win ended a four-game losing streak overall, the Mariners improved to 6-12-0-1, and leapfrogged Pictou County for fifth in the division.

King scores first MHL hat-trick

Sunday’s win was led by 20-year-old forward Owen King, who scored a hat-trick.

He now has five goals in eight games with the team, he was acquired in the offseason but missed the first month and a half with injury.

“It felt unbelievable, it’s always nice to score on but it was great to get three. I tried to get the shots off as quickly as I could.”

“I love this rink, these fans and this town,” added King.

He scored 44 goals in Ontario last year, and says he believes his game is starting to get to that level.

His coach agrees.

“He was out for a while, and was in training camp while everyone else was 10 games in. That shot he has, you can’t teach that.” added Barron.

Turning point

It wasn’t looking good for Yarmouth heading into the second period of Sunday’s game.

Summerside had 1:37 of five-on-three time to start, but goaltender Brett Ruddy stood tall, and the Mariners killed it off.

They’d go on to score three times in the second period, and twice more in the third to run away with it.

Barron says the penalty kill helped his team go in the right direction.

“There wasn’t a lot of space out there, the turning point was that five-on-three, it was nice to get the lead and run with it. Ruddy played unbelievable and our guys blocked a lot of shots. We played 55 good minutes of hockey, let in three in the last few minutes, but we’ll take the win.”

Mariners goalie Brett Ruddy makes a save against Summerside on Sunday, November 1, 2026 (LFB87 Photos)

It was also physical, with lots of heavy hits, scrums, and even a fight at the end of the game.

“When you play a team four times in a week, a lot of guys have beef out there. Not a lot of space either,” added Barron.

“But we’ve been playing better hockey lately, our shots on goal are down, our defence has been good. But we’ve been struggling to get more than three goals a game. Today was big for our confidence and I hope we keep rolling.”

Will Shearer had three assists in the game, he and Nathan Morgan are heading to Granby, Quebec on Tuesday to play for Team MHL in the East Coast Prospects Showcase.

The month ahead

November is going to be a busy month for the Yarmouth Mariners.

With a win already under their belt, they’ll head to New Glasgow on Thursday night to face the Pictou County Crushers.

Friday, Yarmouth will host the Valley Wildcats. They’re 0-4 against the league-leaders so far this season.

After that, the Mariners meet Summerside again on the road on Tuesday, November 10, followed by the Amherst Ramblers on Remembrance Day afternoon.

“There are no easy games in this division,” said Barron.

“We look at our last 10 games, we got the shots on goal down a bit. Every game in our division is a four-point game. We’ve fallen behind the 8-ball, and we need to get rolling and go on a streak.”

Tickets for this Friday’s game against Valley are available at the Mariners Centre box office.

The Mariner Pink in the Rink jerseys are still up for auction on the Mariners Facebook page.

Bidding is open until November 5, all funds raised go to the Dr. Edwin Janke Cancer Centre at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital.

October 12 2026

Mariners searching for more offence at home

Kevin Northup Sports yarmouth mariners

Quality scoring chances and out-shooting the other team often leads to a win in hockey.

Unless you run into a hot goaltender.

That was the case for the Yarmouth Mariners on Saturday night, as they were shut-out 2-0 by the Campbellton Tigers.

The last-place Tigers came to town on the second-half of a back-to-back, they lost 3-1 to Valley Friday.

Campbellton goalie Samuel Quimper leads the league in save percentage, and made 50 saves in the Valley loss.

At Mariners Centre Saturday, Quimper stole the show, stopping all 33 shots he faced for his first career shut-out.

The Mariners gave up the first goal 2:22 into the game.

They were all over the Tigers in the third period, but couldn’t solve Quimper.

Campbellton would score a late empty net goal to end their four-game losing streak.

The Mariners were coming off a shut-out victory of their own over the Pictou County Crushers in New Glasgow on Thursday, 3-0.

Jared Pitman, Evan Lyver and Ryan Small all scored for the Mariners, Pitman also had two assists.

Brett Ruddy made 28 saves for his first MHL clean-sheet, it was the second straight road-win for Yarmouth.

Ruddy was good again Saturday against the Tigers, stopping 27 shots, he was named the game’s second star, attendance was 1,132.

The Mariners are now 4-7 on the season.

Players have responded

After last weekend’s 4-1 loss to the Wildcats at Mariners Centre, Head Coach and General Manager Laurie Barron was critical of his team’s effort.

He says they’ve responded in this week’s games.

“I was frustrated last week, but I don’t feel that way now. I think we hit a low-spot, we had a great week of practice, we got two points Thursday and could have had two points tonight (Saturday.) I feel we’re going in the right direction,” said Barron.

Yarmouth has just two wins in five home games this season; they’ve scored one goal in their last six periods at the Fishtank.

“I think there’s less pressure on the road. Sometimes it’s easier away from home, you’re there to get two points. Tonight (Saturday) goaltending was a great equalizer, and sometimes you have to tip your cap. Quimper was great,” added Barron.

Familiar faces

Three former Yarmouth Mariners were back in town with the Tigers.

Defender Loic Mburanumwe, forward Liam Duquette and goaltender Maxime Giguere all made their returns.

The three skated out first onto the ice during warmups, and posed for pictures with their former teammates.

Mburanumwe, who spent two seasons with the Mariners, says it was great to be back.

“It was very nice, a lot of nostalgia, seeing old friends, my billets and teammates. It was a bit weird playing against them, but it was nice to get out there and play my game.”

Barron says he’s a phenomenal young man.

“What he did here for us, on and off the ice won’t be forgotten. He was great with our ‘Icy Knights’ program, and he’s a great kid. Same goes for Duquette and Giguere.”

Giguere, who is the son of former NHL goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere, says Yarmouth was a great place to play.

“You know all the familiar faces, I had at least 20 conversations before the game. You develop connections for life, and it was nice to see everybody.”

Tigers defender Loic Mburanumwe speaks with former Mariners’ teammates Thomas Dandurand and Malcolm MacDonald during warmups on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Mariners Centre (Ken Chetwynd Photo)

King, Pardy nearing return

Good news for the forward group.

20-year-old forward Owen King, who has yet to play this season, could make his Mariner debut on this week’s road-trip.

He was acquired in the offseason from Ontario.

Grayson Pardy is also expected to be back in the line-up soon, according to Barron.

The Mariners have three games in four nights this week.

It starts with a re-match with the Tigers in Campbellton on Thursday night, then a game in Bathurst against the Chaleur Lightning on Friday.

They’ll return home on Sunday at 4 p.m. for their first of eight matchups against the Amherst Ramblers.

Tickets are on sale at the Mariners Centre box office.

September 21 2026

Mariners can’t follow strong starts in pair of weekend losses

Kevin Northup Sports marines, yarmouth

The Yarmouth Mariners scored the first goal of the game twice this weekend, but that was all the offence they could muster.

Carrying a 1-1 record after opening weekend, the Mariners hosted the defending champion Truro Bearcats Friday night, before a rematch with the Valley Wildcats in Berwick on Saturday night.

It was a well-played game from both sides Friday, the Mariners fell 3-1.

Yarmouth native Karter Bain opened the scoring in the second period for his first MHL goal.

“It was awesome, I’ve never played in front of this many fans in my life, and to score there was just amazing,” said the 18-year-old after the game.

“I tried to shoot low-blocker and it worked out. Truro is a good team, we only had a few shifts where we didn’t play our best, but we were with them the whole game.”

Head Coach and GM Laurie Barron says Bain is a feel-good story.

“We’ve seen him on this ice surface since he was four years old, he grew up playing minor hockey here. I’m proud of Karter, he’s played extremely well, and he’s done well in every situation I’ve put him in.”

*Mariners forward Karter Bain scored his first MHL goal against the Truro Bearcats on Friday, September 18 at Mariners Centre (LFB87 Photos*

But Bearcats would tie the game later in the period on a goal by Logan Trewin, and goals by Callum Aucoin and Matthew Vohra put the game out of reach in the third.

Barron says the game was there for the taking.

“In key situations we shot ourselves in the foot. I thought we had a great chance to win the game, a couple of big mistakes found the back of the net. Hell of a hockey game and we were right there with them, but this isn’t a try league, it’s a do league.” said Barron.

Brett Ruddy was solid in goal, making 31 saves in his second start of the season.

Attendance was 1,069.

Mariners fall big to Valley again

Yarmouth then hit the road Saturday to face the Wildcats, hoping for a better result than last weekend’s 10-1 home-opening defeat to Valley.

It ended up being much of the same, a 6-1 loss this time.

The game started well, with Ryder MacQueen scoring his first of the season on the powerplay late in the first.

But the Wildcats’ offence woke up, scoring three goals in the second and three in the third to chase Brett Ruddy from the net.

He finished with 41 saves, and the Mariners were outshot 58-33.

Chandler Bell played the last six minutes of the game and stopped 11 of 12 shots.

Special teams struggling

Penalty killing hasn’t been kind to the Mariners in their 1-3 start to the season.

They’ve allowed six power-play goals in four games, more than anyone else in the MHL.

The Mariners have scored one shorthanded goal (Jared Pitman vs. West Kent on September 13,) matching their total from last season.

Yarmouth’s powerplay has converted three times on 13 chances, they are 7th in the league.

Two games this weekend

The Mariners have back-to-back games against Eastlink North Division teams this weekend.

On Friday night, they’ll welcome the Edmundston Blizzard to town, and Saturday the Chaleur Lightning make their lone visit to the Fishtank.

Game times are 7 p.m, tickets are available at the Mariners Centre box office.

August 12 2026

Mariners make moves as training camp nears

Kevin Northup News, Sports mariners, training camp

It’s almost time for training camp at Mariners Centre.

The Yarmouth Junior A Mariners return to the ice August 27, with a goal to return to the Maritime Junior Hockey League playoffs.

The team has missed the postseason the last two years, the longest stretch in franchise history.

Head Coach and GM Laurie Barron says it may be the most competitive training camp ever.

“The silver lining of having two down years, we were sellers at the last two trade deadlines. The players we’ve brought in and the guys we’ve drafted are now in Yarmouth,” said Barron.

Offense gets a boost

This past week, the team announced the signing of forward Owen King.

He scored 44 goals in 30 games with the NOJHL’s Greater Sudbury Cubs last season.

They also signed 2024 draft pick Reed Chafe, who led the Newfoundland U18 league in scoring.

The Mariners also made trades, acquiring forward Ryan Small from Newfoundland, he played last year in the BCHL.

And goaltender Chandler Bell was picked up from the Amherst Ramblers, he won 30 games with the Halifax Macs and appeared at the Telus Cup.

Barron says it’s been a very busy offseason.

“We’re very excited as an organization, and our fans deserve a competitive team, and we feel we’ll be just that.”

On September 11, they’ll start their 25th anniversary campaign against Valley at home.

More information on training camp will be available soon, according to the team.

April 24 2026

Earth Day Community Cleanup coming back to Yarmouth

Kevin Northup News angela riley, earth day, scotian shores, yarmouth

Fun activities at Mariners Centre Saturday.

The cost to get in? A bag of garbage.

Scotian Shores is hosting the annual Earth Weekend Community Cleanup from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Organizer Angela Riley says they want people to do a clean-up in their favourite spot.

“I always say somewhere that brings you joy, that means a lot to you. You can bring your family to do a cleanup of that area, then bring everyone to the Anthony Pavilion at the Mariners Centre,” said Riley.

There will be bouncy castles, a barbecue and more outside the arena through the day.

Scotian Shore will then host a clean-up of Yarmouth Harbour on Sunday, and Pembroke beach.

“We’re asking people to bring buckets, because there is decades of broken glass in the area, really muddy tires too. I had fishermen send me pictures, and it’s really low tide this time of year so it’s good to get out there.”

Riley says they’re also doing cleanups at several schools on Friday.

April 24 2026

Person dies after house fire in Richmond County

Kevin Northup News fatal, house fire, Richmond County

A person is dead after a house fire in Richmond County.

It happened Wednesday morning around 7 on Loch Lomond Road.

RCMP say when they and fire services arrived, the home was on fire and partially destroyed.

After the fire was put out, the remains of an adult were located at the scene.

They say criminality is not believed to be a factor, based on evidence gathered at the scene.

April 23 2026

Municipality of Yarmouth to elect mayor, 6 councillors in 2028

Kevin Northup News mayor, municipality of yarmouth

There will be a Mayor in the Municipality of Yarmouth.

Voters will choose a head of council and six councillors, as they switch to a mayoral system in 2028.

Currently, seven elected councillors choose a warden during their first meeting of a new term.

The change was approved after results of a community survey were presented.

Over half of respondents said they’d prefer to elect a mayor.

The municipality will also do a boundary review of its districts next year.

April 22 2026

Ross-Thomson Museum in Shelburne to re-open thanks to new funding

Kevin Northup News museum, nova scotia, ross-thomson house, shelburne

A museum in Shelburne that faced closure is going to open up, thanks to new funding.

The Ross-Thomson House & Store Museum had funding approved through a new community assistance program through the province.

The site was one of 12 that had provincial funding cut in the last budget

The Shelburne Historical Society says the historic building is still owned by the government, and the collection inside will remain through an agreement.

They say they’ll be working with less funding, but remain committed to developing the interpretation at the site.

The society thanks the province for its renewed commitment to the museum.

Opening is scheduled for May 5.

A similar announcement was also made elsewhere in the province, with the Queens County Historical Society saying Perkins House Museum in Liverpool will remain open after being offered annual support through the province’s Community Museum Assistance Program.

That site had also faced closure following recent funding changes.