2023-24 OFFSEASON OUTLOOK - CAPE BRETON EAGLES

[JPA]

CAPE BRETON EAGLES Louis Robitaille  TEAM OUTLOOK:    Head Coach: Louis Robitaille; GM: Sylvain Couturier    Imports: G Oliver Satny; G Jakub Milota; C Lubos Stahon      The Eagles announced at the draft that head coach Jon Goyens would not be returning  this season, so the biggest question going forward is who will take over behind the bench?   Update: Louis Robitaille was named the new Eagles' coach on July 14th.    Ownership seems intent on putting a competitive team on the ice that will hopefully draw  more fans, and there is definitely a good group to build around. On paper, the Eagles look  to have a team capable of finishing in the top half of the league, and possibly even making  a good playoff run.    Getting solid goaltending will be key. The Eagles have the 23rd and 83rd picks in the  CHL European draft in July and should be able to make a key addition if it plays out and  their pick(s) report. Last season's pick, Jiri Kulich (23rd), ended up playing in the AHL  without playing a game for the Eagles.   Update: The Eagles selected 2006 G Jakub Milota of Czechia with the 23rd overall pick in  the CHL Import draft on July 5th. They used their 2nd pick on 2005 C Lubos Stahon.

CAPE BRETON EAGLES TRAINING CAMP ROSTER

GOALTENDERS	YOB	SIZE	GP	W-L	SO	GAA	Sv%
Edouard Blais, Sem. St-Joseph, RSEQ	2007	6'0"-175 lbs.	15	4-8	0	3.27	.893
Jonathan Coombs, Sydney Rush U18	2007	5'10"-168 lbs.	16	1-11	0	6.83	.827
Xavier Farrah, Campbellton Tigers Junior A	2005	6'1"-186 lbs.	24	10-8	1	4.23	.881
Luc-Antoine Labbe, Levis Chevaliers U18	2006	5'10"-136 lbs.	26	18-7	1	2.59	.911
Brandon Lavoie, Steele Subaru U18	2006	6'0"-151 lbs.	18	11-3	0	2.86	.905
Jakub Milota, Czechia U17/20	2006	6'1"-168 lbs.	37	22-15	7	2.30	.925
Nicolas Ruccia, Cape Breton Eagles	2004	6'0"-170 lbs.	34	14-16	1	3.83	.889
Oliver Satny, Cape Breton Eagles	2003	6'1"-174 lbs.	36	15-19	3	3.64	.891
Rhyah Stewart, Cape Breton West U18	2006	5'8"-130 lbs.	21	7-11	0	3.67	.899
DEFENCEMEN	YOB	SIZE	GP	G	A	PTS.	PIM
L Carter Ansems, CHI / CBE / Truro Junior A	2004	6'8"-212 lbs.	53	2	4	6	50
L Zach Biggar, Cape Breton Eagles	2003	6'0"-190 lbs.	66	2	31	33	36
L Jack Brown, Sydney Rush U18	2006	5'10"-165 lbs.	32	0	4	4	72
L Xavier Daigle, Cape Breton Eagles	2005	6'0"-175 lbs.	68	4	16	20	26
L Etienne Desjardins, Saint-Eustache U18	2006	6'1"-201 lbs.	41	5	13	18	14
L Elliott Groenewold, Bishop's College	2006	6'1"-175 lbs.	95	19	29	48	14
L Ryan Hayes, Cape Breton West U18	2005	6'1"-186 lbs.	34	4	18	22	76
L Elliot Kavanaugh, Steele Subaru U18	2006	5'11"-174 lbs.	32	3	8	11	24
R Tomas Lavoie, Cape Breton Eagles	2006	6'3"-210 lbs.	59	2	14	16	26
R Tyson LeFrense, Sydney Rush U18	2006	5'9"-155 lbs.	24	5	8	13	22
L Nathan Meunier-Roberge, Richelieu U18	2006	5'11"-155 lbs.	31	5	5	10	25
L Will Murphy, Kensington Wild U18	2007	6'3"-201 lbs.	24	3	4	7	18
R Andrew O'Sullivan, Kimball Union Prep	2006	5'11"-165 lbs.	61	6	27	33	4
R Preston Pattengale, Eagles / Weeks Jr. A	2004	6'1"-190 lbs.	29	2	6	8	10
L Cohen Pictou, Cape Breton West U18	2006	6'1"-182 lbs.	33	4	10	14	14
R Logan Quinn, Weeks Majors U18	2007	5'11"-159 lbs.	35	4	8	12	8
R Nolan Ryan, Saint John Vitos U18	2006	5'9"-160 lbs.	35	2	6	8	42
R Brayden Schmitt, Blainville / Eagles	2004	5'10"-167 lbs.	69	4	28	32	44
R Connor Shortall, Cape Breton Eagles	2003	5'9"-190 lbs.	66	2	17	19	63
L Lincoln Waugh, Summerside Junior A	2006	5'10"-162 lbs.	50	8	17	25	45
LEFT WING	YOB	SIZE	GP	G	A	PTS.	PIM
L Callum Aucoin, Halifax Macs U18	2006	5'11"-165 lbs.	35	16	31	47	40
L Mavrik Duhaime, Sherbrooke U17 AAA	2007	6'0"-179 lbs.	29	12	9	21	18
L Jack Dulong, Halifax Macs U18	2005	6'4"-208 lbs.	29	9	9	18	71
L Angelo Fullerton, Cape Breton Eagles	2005	6'3"-200 lbs.	64	9	5	14	61
L Carson Griffin, Char'town Knights U18	2006	6'2"-160 lbs.	26	10	12	22	38
L Cameron Henderson, Cape Breton Eagles	2005	5'10"-201 lbs.	33	1	1	2	47
L Cam MacDonald, SJSD / Gatineau	2003	6'2"-190 lbs.	58	29	27	56	38
L Luke McPhee, Moncton Wildcats	2005	5'11"-193 lbs.	41	1	0	1	8
L Jacob Newcombe, Chicoutimi / Eagles	2004	6'0"-202 lbs.	69	25	21	46	32
L Emile Ricard, Magog Cantonniers U18	2007	5'10"-160 lbs.	42	13	15	28	34
CENTER
R Thomas Begin, Chicoutimi Sagueneens	2004	5'9"-155 lbs.	56	7	21	28	14
L Cole Burbidge, Saint John Sea Dogs	2005	6'1"-170 lbs.	68	19	31	50	12
L Alex Christmas, CBW / SSL / Eskasoni	2005	5'11"-181 lbs.	38	15	21	36	37
L Luke Foley, Valley Wildcats U18	2007	6'1"-181 lbs.	31	9	25	34	32
R Nolan Fowler, Valley Wildcats U18	2005	6'1"-158 lbs.	25	7	10	17	26
L Lane Lochead, Weeks Majors U18	2005	6'0"-184 lbs.	34	19	36	55	6
L Jonah MacDonald, Charlottetown U18	2005	6'1"-165 lbs.	34	18	27	45	36
L Liam Noble, East Coast Blizzard U18	2006	5'10"-180 lbs.	30	17	32	49	22
L Luke Patterson, Cape Breton Eagles	2005	6'1"-180 lbs.	54	10	12	22	32
L Rory Pilling, Rothesay-Netherwood Prep	2007	5'11"-163 lbs.	52	7	24	31	4
L Antoine Roy, Blainville / Eagles	2004	6'2"-189 lbs.	64	8	5	13	29
R Lubos Stahon, Slovakia U18/20	2005	5'11"-172 lbs.	58	6	8	14	18
L Goran Stobo, Cole Harbour Wolfpack U18	2005	6'1"-184 lbs.	33	9	22	31	32
L Alexis Toussaint, Magog Cantonniers U18	2007	6'0"-170 lbs.	41	3	9	12	10
RIGHT WING
R Jude Campbell, RIM / Eagles	2005	6'1"-204 lbs.	35	3	2	5	19
R Connor Davis, Lac St-Louis U18	2006	5'11"-170 lbs.	42	28	24	52	8
R Matt Ferdinand, Champions / Northern U18	2007	6'0"-176 lbs.	52	20	28	48	18
R Marcellus Francis, Eskasoni Eagles Junior B	2005	5'6"-134 lbs.	30	28	37	65	6
R Dawson Grandy, The Mount Prep	2006	5'11"-161 lbs.	24	11	10	21	12
R Sam Hope, South Shore Mustangs U18	2006	5'10"-205 lbs.	26	18	16	34	32
L Olivier Houde, Cape Breton Eagles	2004	6'0"-170 lbs.	68	18	26	44	26
R Matthew Lacombe, Islanders Prep 16U	2007	5'11"-161 lbs.	56	37	19	56	24
R Teddy MacAusland, Noble USHS	2006	5'9"-179 lbs.	27	6	23	29	-
R Sam MacFarlane, Fredericton Junior A	2005	6'5"-200 lbs.	49	7	18	25	10
R William Shields, Cape Breton Eagles	2006	5'9"-165 lbs.	64	12	13	25	23
R Tucker Spiess, Mid Fairfield 15U	2007	6'0"-174 lbs.	39	5	9	14	0
R Cam Squires, Cape Breton Eagles	2005	6'0"-160 lbs.	67	30	34	64	28

GOALTENDERS

Nicolas Ruccia GOALTENDERS 04 Nicolas Ruccia    05 Jakub Milota  GOALTENDING:    Until such time as the Eagles bring in another veteran, returnee Nicolas Ruccia appears to be   the inherent number 1. He didn't have a bad overall record (14-16) on a middle of the pack  team and had a few impressive games including a late season win over Halifax. His final month  of the regular season saw him put up a 3-1 record and a .909 Save%.    The backup position appears to be wide open with 2005 Xavier Farrah most likely to have the  inside track. He didn't put up great numbers with the Campbellton Tigers, but he did gain a  lot of experience when compared to the other goalies on the Eagles preseason roster.    There is speculation that the Eagles could address goaltending in the European draft.    Update: The Eagles selected 2005 G Jakub Milota with the 8th overall pick in the CHL Import  draft. Milota signed with the Eagles on July 20. He will likely serve as backup to Ruccia to  start the season.  Notes:  2003 G Oliver Satny would take up an import spot and a 20 year-old spot if he returned, so I  would guess that he isn't in the Eagles' plans this coming season. Update: Satny was not on  the official training camp roster on August 16.  2005 G Xavier Farrah has played parts of two games with the Eagles over the past two seasons  but didn't show very well in either. He has good size.  2006 G Brandon Lavoie also has good size and had a really good season with Steele Subaru.  2006 Luc-Antoine Labbe also had a good season in U18 with Levis and could challenge for the  backup role barring any roster additions before training camp.  2006 G Rhyah Stewart is a female goalie who played with the Cape Breton West Islanders U18  team last season. She is the daughter of former Antigonish Bulldogs' legend, Dave Stewart.  Dave played at St FX before playing several years in the ECHL and has served as an assistant  coach with the X-men. Rhyah has been carving her own reputation as the real deal at every  level and age group along the way.

DEFENCEMEN

Brayden Schmitt LEFT DEFENCE RIGHT DEFENCE 03 Zach Biggar         04 Brayden Schmitt    03 Connor Shortall 06 Tomas Lavoie 05 Xavier Daigle 06 Lincoln Waugh 06 Etienne Desjardins   DEFENCE:    The returning group of Eagles' defencemen is probably their strength heading into the 2023-   24 season. A lot will hinge on whether Connor Shortall is retained as a 20 year-old, as well as  the continued progress of their younger players such as last season's 1st overall draft choice,  Tomas Lavoie.   Update: It was announced on July 17th (Jeremy Fraser) that 2023 C Charles Boutin would be  traded to Gatineau in early August, meaning Connor Shortall, Zach Biggar and Cam MacDonald  are the three probable 20 year-olds.     The overall group is very young, and also very promising. Until putting this together, I hadn't  realized that the Eagles had so much depth and upside on the back end.  Notes:  2004 D Carter Ansems began last season in Chicoutimi before joining the Eagles and finished  the season with the Truro Bearcats.  2006 D Alexandre Carbonneau had a really strong season and should be ready to make the  jump to the Eagles. He has good size and put up good numbers in Quebec U18. Update:  Carbonneau was traded to Blainville on August 24th.  2005 D Xavier Daigle (68-4-16-20-26) had an outstanding rookie season finishing with a +8  on an Eagles' team that allowed 47 more goals than they scored.  2006 D Etienne Desjardins (41-5-13-18) is now showing as 6'1"- 202 lbs. on Elite Prospects.  He is another top prospect in what's shaping up to be a very good group of top young D-men  in the Eagles' stable. Along with Carbonneau, both should stick around in training camp for  long looks.  2006 American D, Elliott Groenewold shows to have played in 95 games last season at Bishop's  College. He is NCAA commited to Quinnipiac for the 2023-24 season.  2005 D Ryan Hayes has signed with Estevan of the SJHL for the coming season. He was a 1st  team All-Star with the CB West Islanders last season. Update: Hayes was not on the official  training camp roster on August 16.  2006 D Elliot Kavanaugh was acquired in a trade from Gatineau on August 1. Only the coaches  can evaluate and decide who makes their roster, but IMO - his numbers don't do him justice.  In putting together some prospect profiles last year, I thought he really stood out. I think he  might be a tough cut in camp.  2007 D Will Murphy was picked in the 3rd round by the Eagles (41st). He was named league  MVP and Best Defenceman two years ago in U15 and had a very good season in U18. He is  said to be physically ready, but as a 3rd round pick and with several others a year older ready  to make the jump, I would guess he begins the year in U18. He's a pick of the Summerside  Western Capitals, so there could be a possibility of following in the path of players like Zach  Biggar and Jordan Spence by playing Junior A at 16.  2003 D Connor Shortall is a steadying influence on what will likely be a very young Eagles'  group. It's going to be a tough call for the coaches in training camp.  2006 D Lincoln Waugh got into 5 games with the Eagles last year. He played Junior A with the  Summerside Western Capitals and was named to the MHL All-Rookie All-Star team.

FORWARDS

Cam MacDonald LEFT WING CENTER RIGHT WING 03 Cam MacDonald 05 Cole Burbidge 05 Cam Squires 05 Angelo Fullerton    05 Luke Patterson     04 Olivier Houde 04 Antoine Roy 04 Thomas Begin 06 Will Shields 07 Emile Ricard 05 Luke McPhee 05 Lubos Stahon     04 I Jacob Newcombe  05 Jude Campbell 06 Callum Aucoin  FORWARDS:    With the addition of Cam MacDonald, the Eagles now list five 20 year-olds. MacDonald would  appear to be a safe bet for one of the three spots, with two of Shortall, Biggar and Charles  Boutin vying for the other two spots. Goaltender Oliver Satny appears to be on the outside.    There will need to be some shuffling of positions up front with MacDonald switching to center  with the possibility of Boutin being moved. A top line with either Jacob Newcombe or Olivier  Houde on the left side, MacDonald at center and Cam Squires on the right side looks good on  paper. Update: Charles Boutin was traded on August 1st.  Notes:  2006 LW Callum Aucoin finished 7th in NSU18 scoring and was named a 2nd team All-Star. He  scored 9 goals in 7 playoff games. He got into 1 game last year with the Eagles.  2006 LW Carson Griffin scored 3 goals in 3 games with the Summerside Western Capitals as  an AP.  2005 LW Cam Henderson played part of the season with the Valley Wildcats (12-6-6-12-83).  He is physically imposing and could be a tough cut for the coaches. He got into 3 playoff  games against the Mooseheads and was a thorn in their sides.  2003 LW Cam MacDonald was a huge addition in a trade completed at the draft. He was just  shy of a point per game on a veteran Gatineau team and should play on the top line and 1st  PP unit with the Eagles. An 80-90 point season would seem to be attainable.  2005 LW Luke McPhee was added to the training camp roster from the Moncton Wildcats.  Update: A trade for McPhee was finalized on August 27th.  2004 LW Jacob Newcombe is out indefinitely after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymph-  oma. Several big name hockey players have battled back to play after a similar diagnosis  including Mario Lemieux. Hopefully it's more of a setback than a career ending battle. From  all accounts both on and off the ice, Jacob is a character player and a battler.  2007 LW Emile Ricard was the Eagles 1st choice in this year's draft. He likes to get in on the  forecheck and battle for pucks, so he might be ready to step in physically.  2004 C Thomas Begin was added to the training camp roster on July 17 on loan from the  Chicoutimi Sagueneens. Update: The Eagles completed the trade for Begin on August 25th  for a 5th round pick in the 2025 draft.  2005 C Cole Burbidge was added in a trade from Saint John on August 1. He should step in  and play a top six forward role with the Eagles.  It was announced on July 17th (Jeremy Fraser) that 2003 C Charles Boutin will be moved to  Gatineau in a trade to be completed in early August for draft picks. Update: The trade of  Boutin to Gatineau was completed on August 1.  2007 C Luke Foley was drafted by the Eagles in the 2nd round (24th). I would expect him to  go back to U18 for another season, but he should definitely be recalled as an AP on occasion.  2005 C Lane Lochead led the NSU18 league in scoring with 55 points, and then scored 30  points in 12 playoff games as the Weeks Majors won the league championship and eventually  won the U18 Atlantics.  2005 C Jonah MacDonald finished 5th in NBPEIU18 scoring and was named a 2nd team All-  Star. Update: MacDonald was not on the official training camp roster on August 16.  2007 C Rory Pilling reportedly suffered a broken leg in a preseason game against Halifax on  August 23rd.  2005 C Lubos Stahon was the Eagles' 2nd pick in this year's CHL Import draft. Update:  Stahon signed with the Eagles on July 21st.  2006 RW Connor Davis tied for 4th in Quebec U18 scoring with Noah Larochelle, trailing only  guys named Lecompte, Fontaine and Desnoyers. He grew a couple of inches over the season  and could challenge for a roster spot. Update: Davis was not on the official training camp  roster on August 16.  2004 Olivier Houde is a left shot listed as a right wing on the roster. He's coming off a solid  44 point rookie season and should be ready to add significantly to his totals.

* These offseason looks at QMJHL teams will be updated as often as required leading up to training camps in August.

[JPA]

IN THE SYSTEM - CAPE BRETON EAGLES

Drafted QMJHL: Cape Breton (2023-1-12)   Me 30   CSR 19   HP 24 2007 EMILE RICARD, Magog Cantonniers 5'10" - 160 lbs. Left Wing: Shoots L SEASON TEAM / LEAGUE GP G A PTS. PIM 2021-22 Coll. St-Bernard RSEQ  25   17     6    23   14 2021-22 Coll. St-Bernard QM17E     3     0     1     1     0 2022-23 Magog Cantonniers QM18AAA  42  13  15   28   34    "Emile Ricard is a fast and intelligent forward. He has good offensive skills and is able to  get involved physically. He has good vision, good hands and has a good hockey sense of  the offensive side of the game. Ricard is quick to find the open space to separate himself  and take quality shots, which is why his coach never hesitates to use him in offensive  situations. Last month, Emile was a key member who helped Team Quebec win the bronze  medal at the Canada Games." - Jean-Pierre Belzil, CSR Scout    Emile Ricard is a great skater and plays an energy game based on a quick forecheck and  pressure on the puck carrier. He has really good speed and a high compete level. He's very    strong and sturdy and plays a solid 200 foot game. He gets most of his goals from playing  a pesky style and working his way inside the dirty area in front of the net. He should project  to a top six forward role in the Q. He had a good growth spurt this season and now shows  5'10" and 160 lbs. on Elite Prospects.  Update: I was a bit surprised to see the Eagles select Emile Ricard where they did at 12th  overall, but that doesn't mean I don't think it was a solid choice. Everybody likes to watch a  player who can get in on the forecheck in a hurry and dig out pucks. Add in that he has a  history as a goal scorer, and he could eventually end up being one of the best picks in the  draft.

Drafted QMJHL: Cape Breton (2023-3-41)   Drafted MHL: Summerside (2023-6-67)   Me 29   CSR 14   HP 28 2007 WILL MURPHY, Kensington Wild 6'3" - 201 lbs. Defence: Shoots L SEASON TEAM / LEAGUE GP G A PTS. PIM 2020-21 Prince County PEIU15  20     2   11     13    25 2021-22 Prince County PEIU15 a; b   20    6  25    31    28 2022-23 Kensington NBPEIMU18HL  24    3    4      7    18 a - PEIU15 Most Valuable Player b - PEIU15 Best Defenceman        “Will is a defensive defenseman with a very good skating stride considering his imposing  frame. He advocates physical play and does not hesitate to complete his checks. He has a  good stick and commands respect in the defensive zone in front of his goalie. He has good  puck skills and a very good shot. He is very effective when he stays within his limits and his  coach’s game plan." - Pierre Cholette, QMJHL Dir. of Scouting  "Will Murphy is a tall and physically imposing defenseman who plays in all game situations  and has the hockey sense and skills of a top prospect. He could be a real force if he played  with more intensity but, because of his size, he plays a restrained physical game so that  he doesn’t get called for high hits. A gifted skater, he needs to carry the puck and join the  rush more often. He is very solid defensively and being more physical in puck battles or in  front of the net will really make him stand out. Will has made good progress through the  first half of the season and is now playing with more confidence and poise." - Corrado  Micalef, Prince Edward Island CSR Scout    Will Murphy is a big defenceman with already imposing size at 6'3" and 201 lbs. He was  named the PEIU15 Most Valuable Player and Best Defenceman award last season. He can  lug the puck but will need to work on his foot speed and mobility to become proficient at the  next level. He has a hard shot and enjoys the physical side of the game. He has all the tools  and a ton of upside.    Will had an outstanding first season in U18 and his stock has seemed to rise considerably  in the rankings. It could be a hard call for a Q team to keep him for the season or send him  back to U18. He's a man amongst boys heading into his 16 year-old season.   Update: Will slipped (if you can call it that) into the early 3rd round in the draft, with some  claiming extenuating circumstances. There seems to be little doubt that he's ready to make  the jump physically, but it isn't often you see a 3rd round choice stick in the Q for his 16  year-old season.

CHL Import Draft: Halifax (2023-1-23) 2006 JAKUB MILOTA, HC Ocelari Trinec 6'1" - 168 lbs. Goaltender: Catches L SEASON TEAM / LEAGUE GP W-L SO GAA SV% 2021-22 HC Ocelari Trinec U17  21  15-6   3  2.38  .913 2022-23 HC Ocelari Trinec U17  15  11-4    4  1.43  .947 2022-23 HC Ocelari Trinec U20    9    8-1   2  2.41  .924 2022-23 Czech U17 WHC-17    4    0-4   0  4.39  .876 2022-23 Czech International (All)    9   3-6   1  2.34  .909    “Milota’s competitiveness to keep battling [is] incredible to watch. He plays a hybrid style,   competes hard to make every save, and displays solid positioning in his crease. Has good  speed in the crease and able to stick with opponents. Stays aggressive with his positioning  and doesn’t back up into his net. Nice quick reflexes. His athleticism and quickness in the  crease are good.” - Jared Brown, Director of Scouting, Draft Prospects Hockey    “Jakub is a bright young goaltender, who has played on the international scene and was  highly spoken of by former Eagles goaltender Ondrej Pavelec.” - Eagles GM Sylvain  Couturier    Jakub Milota put up some Hasek-like numbers over the past couple of seasons in Czechia.  The only small hiccup was at World U17 Championship where he had an 0-4 record against  some very tough competition, but it was a very small sample size in an otherwise stellar  stat package. His shutout ratio is also very high. Both Milota and Lubos Stahon have agreed  to report to training camp. Stahon was the Eagles pick in the 2nd round of the import draft.

Drafted QMJHL: Cape Breton (2022-3-48)  Drafted MHL: Summerside (2022-7-84)  Me 28  CSR 51  HP 63 2006  LINCOLN WAUGH, Charlottetown U18 5'10" - 165 lbs. Defence: Shoots L SEASON TEAM / LEAGUE GP G A PTS. PIM 2019-20 Prince County PEIBAAA  29   10     7    17   10 2019-20 Team PEI ACC    5     0     2      2     4 2020-21 Prince County PEIU15AAA a  22  21  24   45   30 2021-22 Charlottetown Knights NBPEIMU18HL   29    9  15   24   24 2021-22 Charlottetown Knights Monctonian     5    1    3     4     2 2021-22 Team Blue QMJHL Cup     4    0    2     2     0 2022-23 Summerside Western Capitals MHL b  50    8  17   25   45 2022-23 Charlottetown Islanders QMJHL    5    0    0     0     0 a - Named PEIU15AAA Best Defenceman.    b - Named to MHL All-Rookie All-Star team.        Lincoln Waugh is a mobile, two way defenceman who likes to lead the rush and follow     everything up. He does everything well, and is very heads-up. His current coach with the  Charlottetown Knights, Luke Beck, likens him to Luke Coughlin.   He put up solid numbers this season as a 15 year-old rookie defenceman with 9 goals and  24 points in 29 games and added 1-6-7 totals in 4 games as the Knights won the PEI  championship over Kensington. His 9 goals led all league defencemen, and his 24 points  were 4th best.    Analytics showed that he was a go to guy for his coaches on a veteran laden Knights'  defence that included Isaac Vos, Harry Clements and Will Morrison. He averaged 24  minutes TOI (2nd); had a +31 (3rd); was 4th in SOG (94); 4th in CORSI (210) and had  the 5th best Index (182).    Watching his game action and video package, he can go coast to coast with the puck and  beat players to the outside with speed. He likes to jump up into the bottom of the left  circle and scores most of his goals from there - but he can also play both sides on point  and find a lane. He's not overly physical, but he recorded a combative 24 PIM.    Lincoln is ranked as high as the middle of the 2nd round by the various draft sources and  as late as the 4th round. He made it to the CSR list of 'B' prospects in the latest release. I  have a gut feeling that he's going to do well at the Major Junior level. You can't teach his  skills - you either have them - or you don't. For a 15 year-old rookie defenceman, he had  an incredible season and has a ton of upside.  Update: The above profile was put together leading up to last year's QMJHL draft. Lincoln  played his 16 year-old season with the Summerside Western Capitals and had a fantastic  season where he was named to the All-Rookie All-Star team. He also got into 5 games with  the Eagles and looks ready to step in full time this coming season.

Drafted QMJHL: Cape Breton (2022-6-91)   Drafted USHL: Cedar Rapids (2023-16-235)   Me 63   CSR 63 2006  CONNOR DAVIS, Lac St-Louis U18 5'10" - 150 lbs. Centre: Shoots R SEASON TEAM / LEAGUE GP G A PTS. PIM 2019-20 Lac St-Louis Arsenal QBAAA  23     5     3      8     0 2020-21 Lac St-Louis Arsenal QBAAA   -    -    -     -    - 2021-22 Lac St-Louis Lions QM18AAA   38  12    8   20     8 2021-22 Team Gray QMJHL Cup    4     1     0      1     0 2022-23 Lac St-Louis Lions QM18AAA  42   28   24    52     8      In a "Road to the QMJHL Draft" release on the Q website, CSR scout Benoit Payment  describes Connor Davis as "fast," "good acceleration," "executes at full speed," and "has a     surprising shot that fools goalies."    His 12 goals surprisingly led the Lions who played a 38 game schedule and are often a  high scoring team. Analytics show that he created a lot of scoring chances with 113 SOG  (2nd) and put 64% of his scoring attempts on goal. He averaged 18:08 TOI and won 46%  of his puck battles.    Watching his game footage and highlight package, he's very quick and if he gets a step  on the D - he's gone. He doesn't have blazing speed coming in off the wing, but he's a deft  puckhandler and likes to try things like putting the puck through a defenceman's skates  and then try to pick the puck up in behind them. Most of his shots are along the ice and he  will need to work on his shot and physicality.    Connor is rated as a 'B' prospect in the latest CSR release and is ranked to go as high as  the middle of the 4th round by one draft source. His older brother, Jaden (2004) is also a  member of the Lions but hasn't been QMJHL drafted.   Update: The profile above was put together a year ago leading up to the 2022 QMJHL  draft. Connor was eventually drafted in the 6th round by the Eagles. He returned to U18 for  his 16 year-old season with the Lions and had a fantastic season, finishing 5th in league  scoring and 3rd in goals (28). Connor's older brother, Jaden, plays at Berkshire Prep and  there has been some speculation that Connor might opt to go the same route. Connor was  selected late in the USHL draft this summer by Cedar Rapids (2023-16-235).

[JPA]

The QMJHL trade period opens tomorrow.

The Eagles are expected to trade Charles Boutin to Gatineau.

Moncton is expected to trade Maxim Barbashev to Shawinigan.

A name to keep and eye on might be Tyler Peddle of Drummondville. Several rumours on the various message boards claim he asked to be moved.

Players on loan for training camps include Thomas Begin from Chicoutimi to the Eagles, Luke McPhee from Moncton to the Eagles and Justin Dumais from Moncton to Gatineau.

You can read more on the various team outlooks.

Hopefully I have the facts right, but going by posters on the boards can be risky.

Exciting times just ahead. . .

[JPA]

2023-08-01 SAINT JOHN Burbidge, Cole (2005-08-26) to CAPE BRETON RD_1, 2024 (BLB); RD_2, 2024 (CHI); RD_1, 2025

2023-08-01 CAPE BRETON Boutin, Charles (2003-01-31) and Parent, Xavier (2006-02-27) to GATINEAU Kavanaugh, Elliott (2006-01-26); RD_6, 2024 (SHE); RD_3, 2025 (ROU)

[JPA]

Eagles Reassign 13 Players From 2023 Training Camp
Category: Article
August 20, 2023

Your Eagles have reassigned 13 players from 2023 Training Camp ahead of the veterans arrival this evening.

We thank these players for giving their best these past three days, and wish them all the success this upcoming year.

The players reassigned are:

Goalies
Édouard Blais
Johnathan Coombs

Defence
Elliott Kavanaugh
Tyson LeFrense
Preston Pattengale
Cohen Pictou

Forwards
Mavrik Duhaime
Nolan Fowler
Matthew Ferdinand (voluntary release)
Matthew Lacombe (voluntary release)
Liam Noble
Lane Lochead
Samuel MacFarlane (voluntary release)

[JPA]

Jeremy Fraser
@cbpost_Jeremy

The Cape Breton Eagles announce that 19-year-old forward Jacob Newcombe has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. #qmjhl #lhjmq

[JPA]

Eagles Reassign 5 Players from 2023 Training Camp
Category: Article
August 26, 2023

Your Eagles have reassigned 5 players from 2023 Training Camp.

We thank these players for their play during this training camp and preseason games, and we wish them the best of luck in the upcoming season.

Players Reassigned on August 26th:

Logan Quinn

Nathan Meunier-Roberge

Alex Christmas

Luke Foley

Alexis Toussaint

[JPA]

Eagles Reassign 3 Players from 2023 Training Camp
Category: Article
August 27, 2023
On Sunday, your Eagles reassigned 3 players from 2023 Training Camp.

We’d like to thank these players for their participation in this year’s camp, and wish them all the best this upcoming season.

Players reassigned on Aug. 27th:

D – Will Murphy

F – Cam Henderson

F- Rory Pilling (due to injury)

[JPA]

Halifax > Sports > Regional Sports
Cape Breton Eagles name 2023-24 roster
Luke Dyment
Tuesday August 29, 2023

SYDNEY, N.S. — The Cape Breton Eagles have finalized their roster for the 2023-24 Quebec Major Junior Hockey League season.

The team announced on Monday that 24 players would begin the season with the team, including 15 forwards, seven defencemen and two goalies. Fourteen of them are returnees from last season.

Highlighting the roster are big-name forward additions over the offseason Cam MacDonald and Cole Burbidge — expected to lead the offence alongside Cam Squires. MacDonald (Tampa Bay) and Squires (New Jersey) are the team’s two NHL draft picks.

After scoring 64 points last season, Squires is the team’s top returning scorer. He was third on the team last year after the departed Samuel Johnson (75 points) and Ivan Ivan (90). Returnees Jacob Newcombe (46) and Olivier Houde (44) round out last year’s top five.

Newcombe was named to the final roster despite his recent diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. While he won’t be with the team to start the season, the team said in a statement on Monday that he “will be a part of the team” and is hopeful he will return soon.

“We strongly believe his strength and fight will have him back on the ice sometime this season.”

Five Eagles defencemen are returning from 2022-23, including over-agers Zach Biggar and Conor Shortall (MacDonald is the team’s third 20-year-old). Biggar (33 points) and Brayden Schmitt (32) led the Eagles in defence scoring last year, although they split the season between Cape Breton and the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.

Both of the Eagles’ 2023 CHL Import Draft picks — goalie Jakub Milota and centre Lubos Stahon — have made the final cut. Milota will share the crease with Nicolas Ruccia. Rounding out the team’s rookies are forwards Callum Aucoin and Émile Ricard, and defencemen Lincoln Waugh and Étienne Desjardins.

Among the team's final cuts was goalie Rhyah Stewart. The 16-year-old stopper impressed at camp and was the first female to ever play a game with the team — a 24-save, no-goals-allowed performance on Aug. 25 against the Moncton Wildcats at Centre 200. Stewart is committed to the NCAA's University of Wisconsin Badgers.

Cape Breton is midway through its preseason schedule, sporting a 2-1-0-0 (win-loss-OTL-SOL) record. The team doesn’t play again until Sept. 8, when Cape Breton travels to Moncton to play the Wildcats. The team closes out its preseason at the Membertou Sport & Wellness Centre against the Halifax Mooseheads.

The Eagles begin their regular season at Centre 200 on Sept. 22 and 23 with back-to-back games against Moncton.

Cape Breton Eagles 2023-24 roster

FORWARDS
Cole Burbidge 2005 6’01” 170lbs Windsor, NS
Antoine Roy 2004 6’02” 185 Bathurst, NB
Luke Patterson 2005 6’02” 186 Moncton, NB
Émile Ricard* 2007 5’11” 165 Drummondville, QC
Cam Squires 2005 6’00” 170 Charlottetown, PE
Thomas Bégin 2004 5’09” 165 Sherbrooke, QC
Callum Aucoin* 2006 6’00” 173 Hammonds Plains, NS
William Shields 2006 5’09” 171 Falmouth, NS
Lubos Stahon* 2005 5’11” 172 Trstena, SVK
Olivier Houde 2004 6’00” 180 Dosquet, QC
Jude Campbell 2005 6’01” 207 Charlottetown, PE
Luke McPhee 2005 5’11” 195 Halifax, NS
Cam MacDonald 2003 6’02” 190 Hammonds Plains, NS
Angelo Fullerton 2005 6’03” 205 Quispamsis, NB
Jacob Newcombe 2004 6’00” 202 Sambro, NS

DEFENCE
Tomas Lavoie 2006 6’04” 225 Repentigny, QC
Étienne Desjardins* 2006 6’01” 202 Mirabel, QC
Xavier Daigle 2005 6’00” 185 Lévis, QC
Zach Biggar 2003 6’00” 190 Portage, PE
Lincoln Waugh* 2006 5’10” 170 Summerside, PE
Conor Shortall 2003 5’09” 195 St. John’s, NL
Brayden Schmitt 2004 5’11” 178 Truro, NS

GOALIES
Jakub Milota* 2006 6’01” 168 Ostrava, CZE
Nicolas Ruccia 2004 6’00” 175 Laval, QC

NOTE: *indicates rookie