The Cape Breton Eagles have recently made headlines with significant additions to their roster and impressive performances on the ice. General Manager Sylvain Couturier announced the acquisition of 18-year-old left winger Nathan Plouffe from the Quebec Remparts for a fifth-round draft pick in 2025. Plouffe, who hails from Blainville, Quebec, brings promising statistics with three goals and two assists over 32 games this season. Standing 6’2" and weighing 194 pounds, he is described by Couturier as a player with big potential who specializes during special teams.
“Nathan is a reliable penalty kill specialist and will be a needed piece for us to make a run,” Couturier said following the announcement. Plouffe was previously drafted by the Remparts during the fifth round of the 2023 QMJHL Entry Draft, highlighting the trust placed on his skills, especially as he is expected to contribute significantly for the next two seasons.
The news of Plouffe's acquisition coincided with the team’s momentum on the ice. On Saturday night, the Eagles secured their fifth consecutive victory, dominating the Acadie-Bathurst Titan with a score of 5-1 at Centre 200. This match not only added another win to their streak but also marked the final regular season encounter between the two teams, as the Titan will be relocating to St. John’s, Newfoundland, for the 2025-26 season.
Player highlights from the game include Cam Squires, who shone with three assists, and goals scored by five different players, showcasing the Eagles' depth and teamwork. Jacob Newcombe and Cole Burbidge were notable contributors, with both netting goals along with adding assists. Joey Henneberry and Ales Zielinski also joined the scoring fray, solidifying the Eagles’ offense.
Alexis Cournoyer was stellar in goal, stopping 34 of 35 shots, enhancing the team’s defensive performance. The netminder's effort was instrumental, particularly noticeable during Bathurst's attempts to mount pressure, including notable saves during penalty kills. Bathurst’s Mikus Vecvanags, also making his QMJHL debut, faced 36 shots, reflecting the offensive barrage from Cape Breton.
"Special teams helped pace the Eagles to an early lead" explained one observer, as the team swiftly moved to 2-0 with goals coming from Burbidge on the power play and Newcombe capitalizing on an odd-man rush. Disrupting Bathurst's offensive attempts was key for Cape Breton and led to their dominance on the ice.
Despite Bathurst’s attempts to counter, including Colby Huggan cutting the deficit with their only goal, Cape Breton maintained control throughout the game. The increasing pressure from both teams produced multiple chances, but Cournoyer’s performance was unmatched. A significant moment came when Cape Breton took advantage of penalties to both teams, allowing Henneberry and Zielinski to score and put the game out of reach for the Titan.
Following their victory, the Eagles are now poised for their first road game of 2025, scheduled against the Charlottetown Islanders on Thursday at 7 PM. Fans can look forward to seeing Plouffe make his debut alongside other promising recruits. The energy within the team and community suggests high hopes as they push for playoff contention this season.
The Eagles are showing growth and resilience as they build their team for the future. Their combination of strategic acquisitions and strong performances signals ambition. With their current winning streak, they appear to be gaining momentum just as the season progresses anew. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how Plouffe contributes to the team's dynamic as they aim to secure more wins and position themselves favorably heading to the playoffs.
The team, under Couturier’s direction, looks committed to balancing immediate success with long-term development, ensuring they remain competitive. The Eagles appear poised to deliver exciting hockey moving forward, and with their current run, they are capturing the spirit of the Cape Breton community, eager for success.