CBRM Raises Eagles Flag Ahead of Historic Weekend: Eagles Recap: April 11, 2024
April 11, 2024 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Cape Breton Eagles News Release
CBRM Raises Eagles flag
Before a record-number of fans enter Centre 200 for Game 1 of the second round series between the Cape Breton Eagles and the Chicoutimi Saguenéens on Friday night, the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) showed their support for their hometown team by raising it's colours in front of town hall in Sydney.
On Thursday morning, members of the municipality and staff of the Eagles organization gathered in downtown Sydney for a celebratory flag raising in honour of the Eagles playoff run.
"This is a day that we can gather and show our support for our Eagles," said CBRM Mayor Amanda McDougall. "We are so proud as the municipal government and community members to see, for the first time since 2019 our team making it to the second round."
Holding an Eagles ticket in her hand, McDougall said "I am literally holding the hottest ticket in town" to the crowd gathered on Thursday morning.
On Friday night, the Eagles are expecting a sell out crowd that could set a brand new franchise record for largest attendance in its 25+ history in Cape Breton.
Nearly 5,000 fans are expected for both Game 1 and Game 2 this weekend.
Milota named finalist for defensive rookie of the year
After a record-breaking first season in the QMJHL, Eagles goaltender Jakub Milota was named a finalist for the league's Raymond-Lagacé Trophy for best defensive rookie.
Milota led all QMJHL rookie goaltenders with 18 wins (18-11-1-0), 3 shutouts, a 2.82 GAA and a .905 save percentage. In fact, only nine goaltenders now have a save percentage of at least .905 this season, and he's one of them. Selected 23rd overall in the most recent CHL European Draft, the 17-year-old Czech formed one of the best goaltending duos in the league with veteran Nicolas Ruccia.
Conor Shortall named Eagles nominee for Marcel Robert Trophy
Each season, the QMJHL award the Marcel Robert Trophy to the player who best combines on-ice performance with academic success.
Each player selected by his team receives a $400 bursary. The three finalists will receive an additional $600 bursary and the Scholastic Player of the Year will be awarded a $1,500 scholarship, along with the Marcel-Robert Trophy.
This season, the Eagles nominated 20-year-old defensemen Conor Shortall.
The St. Johns, Newfoundland product is in his third season with Cape Breton and is currently enrolled in the Business program at Cape Breton University.
"During his time under my supervision, Conor has consistently demonstrated exceptional academic aptitude, dedication, and a strong work ethic," said Eagles academic coordinator Ryan MacPherson. "He possesses a keen intellect and exhibits a genuine passion for learning. Conor consistently engages in class discussions, demonstrates critical thinking skills, and produces high-quality work across all subjects."
With over 200 QMJHL under his belt, Shortall has become and fan favourite in Cape Breton, and has continued his hard work outside of the rink as well.
"First, I would like to thank the Eagles organization and especially Ryan MacPherson and Gary MacLean for nominating me for this very prestigious award and honor, the Marcel-Robert Trophy. My four years playing in the QMJHL have truly been special, rewarding and I have gained valuable experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life," Shortall said. "Education and academics have always been particularly important to my entire family as my older brother and both my parents have university degrees and I plan to follow the same path as them."
Last week, Shortall announced his commitment to play for the Acadia Axemen at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia when his time in the QMJHL comes to an end.
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Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from April 11, 2024
- Eagles Ready To Open Round Two Against Sags In Front Of Sold Out Crowd - Cape Breton Eagles
- QMJHL Lottery on RDS on April 25 - QMJHL
- Lounsbury Named Frank-J.-Selke Trophy Finalist - Moncton Wildcats
- Desnoyers Named Michel-Bergeron Trophy Finalist - Moncton Wildcats
- Mathieu Cataford Makes AHL Debut - Halifax Mooseheads
- CBRM Raises Eagles Flag Ahead of Historic Weekend: Eagles Recap: April 11, 2024 - Cape Breton Eagles
- QMJHL announces finalists for Frank-J.-Selke Trophy - QMJHL
- Émile Guité Wins Rookie of the Year Award - QMJHL
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