Cape Breton’s excitement over the success of the Cape Breton Eagles of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) is palpable, with sell-out crowds at Centre 200 in Sydney, N.S. creating a buzz in the community. Owner of the Steel City Sports Bar & Steakhouse, Barkley Haddad, has seen a boost in business as fans flock to his establishment for watch parties during the playoffs. The Eagles are on the verge of advancing to the league’s semifinal series for the first time since 2007, and the whole city is rallying behind the team.
The Eagles’ recent playoff success has been a cause for celebration, with record attendance at the first two games of the best-of-seven series in Sydney. With a 3-0 series lead over the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, the Eagles are on the brink of completing a second-round playoff sweep for the first time in franchise history. General manager Sylvain Couturier credits the tight-knit nature of this year’s team and the experience among the players as key factors in their success, as well as the unwavering support of the community.
Couturier, who expressed his commitment to bringing a championship to Cape Breton when he first became the team’s general manager in 2022, remains focused on taking things one game at a time. While the team is excited about their current position, they are fully aware that nothing is guaranteed in hockey, especially during the playoffs. With the decisive clash taking place in Chicoutimi, Que., the Eagles are gearing up to give it their all in hopes of securing a spot in the league’s semifinal series.
The success of the Eagles has not only brought joy to the fans but has also provided a significant boost to the local economy, with businesses like Steel City Sports Bar & Steakhouse reaping the rewards of increased foot traffic during the playoffs. Haddad, who has been running his family-owned restaurant for 40 years, is seeing a surge in reservations and overall excitement from patrons as they gather to watch the Eagles’ playoff games together. The strong team performance on the ice has translated into a positive atmosphere throughout the city.
As the team continues to make headlines with their impressive playoff run, the community’s support for the Eagles shows no signs of waning. The players are feeding off the energy of the fans, with Couturier highlighting the positive impact a large crowd can have on their performance. With a focus on building chemistry among the existing roster, the Eagles have cultivated a tight-knit group that is determined to make a championship run for Cape Breton. The players understand the importance of staying focused and taking each game as it comes in their quest for postseason success.
The excitement surrounding the Eagles’ playoff success is a testament to the passion for hockey in Cape Breton and the strong sense of community that exists within the city. The Eagles’ dominance on the ice has united fans and local businesses alike, creating a positive environment where everyone comes together to support the team. With the potential to make franchise history with a second-round playoff sweep, the Eagles are poised to make a lasting impact on the QMJHL and bring glory to Cape Breton.
