Eagles hoping to go deep again in QMJHL playoffs

The Cape Breton Eagles are hoping for another magical playoff run.

Last year the team went to the third round for the first time since 2007.

They’re getting ready to face the team that knocked them out in five games in that third round series, the Baie-Comeau Drakkar.

Cape Breton finished fifth in the QMJHL’s Eastern Conference with 34 wins in 64 games, two points behind fourth-place Baie-Comeau.

Eagles Head Coach Louis Robitaille says his team has been one of the best in the league since the trade deadline, and they’re excited to get going.

“A lot of guys played in that Baie-Comeau series last year. We want to use that to our advantage. I know the guys are ready and we’re excited for it,” said Robitaille.

He says they’ve had a great week of practice, and are ready for the challenge.

“When you start on the road, sometimes it takes the nerves out. There’s not that pressure to be perfect. We are looking at it one game at a time, starting with Friday night.”

Game 1 of the first round series goes Friday night in Quebec, with Game 2 on Saturday.

The series shifts to Centre 200 in Sydney for Games 3 and 4 next Tuesday and Wednesday.

“The crowd at Centre 200 is amazing. I was new to Cape Breton last year, and my family and I love it here. Last year’s sellouts in the playoffs were incredible. Our attendance is up 26 percent this year. People in Cape Breton are proud of us and they’re supporting us,” added Robitaille.