The Newfoundland Regiment is set to make history this Thursday as they prepare for their inaugural playoff game in St. John’s. The team is excited about reaching the playoffs and is aiming for a deep run in pursuit of the prestigious Gilles-Courteau Trophy.
Playoff Details
The Regiment will face the Cape Breton Eagles in the first round of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) playoffs. This highly anticipated matchup takes place at the Mary Browns Centre, starting at 7 p.m. NT.
Team Performance
In the regular season, the Newfoundland Regiment secured third place in the Eastern Conference, achieving a commendable record of 38 wins out of 64 games. Notably, they also shattered a 56-year attendance record for a first-year team, averaging over 5,200 spectators at their games.
Player and Coach Insights
- Blake Pilgrim-Edwards, a winger for the Regiment, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’m really excited, and I really want to go far this year.”
- Head coach Gordie Dwyer shared his pride about the team’s performance, noting the strong support from the community: “The excitement around the hockey team has been tremendous.”
As the playoffs commence, both the players and coaching staff believe they have the talent and determination to achieve their playoff ambitions. Pilgrim-Edwards underscored the support from fans, emphasizing, “The whole city’s behind us.”
Historical Rivalry
This season, the teams have faced each other multiple times. While Cape Breton won the initial five encounters, the Regiment triumphed in their last three matches, including two victories in late February.
Looking Ahead
The excitement doesn’t stop with the first game. Game 2 is scheduled for Friday in St. John’s, after which the series will shift to Cape Breton on Tuesday. The stakes are high as the team seeks to transform their strong season into playoff success.
With community support and a determined squad, the Newfoundland Regiment is ready to embark on their journey toward the Gilles-Courteau Trophy. It’s an exciting time for the players and fans alike as they strive for junior hockey glory.
