Eagles ‘feeling good’ heading into Q playoffs
The Cape Breton Eagles will look for a high-flying start to the QMJHL playoffs.
They’re heading to Newfoundland to face the Regiment for Games 1 and 2 on Thursday and Friday.
The Eagles finished sixth in the Eastern Conference this year with 69 points, Newfoundland were third with 80 points.
Cape Breton Head Coach Jason Clarke says his team is feeling good.
“I liked our final weekend of the regular season. Our powerplay has gotten hot over the last five or six games. Special teams are very important heading into a playoff run. We’re very confident heading into the postseason,” said Clarke, who is in his first season behind the Eagles bench.
He’s expecting an energetic atmosphere in St. John’s, as Q playoff hockey returns to Newfoundland for the first time in 18 years.
The teams will head to Centre 200 for Games 3, 4 and 5 next week.
Clarke says they’re looking forward to playing at home in front of the best fans in the league.
“The fans are our 7th Player. We’re excited to put that jersey on and play in front of our fans, and make them proud of our work ethic and how we conduct ourselves on the ice.”
Clarke says the leadership group has done a great job getting the team ready for the postseason.
“We have players from last year, and some we’ve traded for that have gone on long playoff runs. That experience is being shared with our younger guys, just like it has all season long.”
Cape Breton fell in six games in last year’s opening round to Baie-Comeau.
In 2024, the Eagles tied their longest playoff run in franchise history, making it to the third round.