Achi news desk-
Cape Breton Eagles fans were working the Center 200 box office Thursday morning in Sydney, NS, in hopes of securing tickets for the team’s third-round QMJHL second-round game series.
“This is the most exciting team we’ve had in Cape Breton in a long time,” said one fan.
The Eagles swept their second round series against the Chicoutimi Saguenéens with an 8-5 win on Wednesday night. The win propelled the team into the third round, a play-off spot they have not reached since 2007.
Center 200 was sold out for both home games the Eagles played against the Saguenéens and, with the series sweep, the excitement surrounding the team is on a whole new level.
“Because they’re doing amazing, and we love them,” said a fan who went to JA Douglas McCurdy Airport in Sydney to greet the team when they arrived home on Thursday.
Fans will line up at the Center 200 box office in Sydney, NS, on April 18, 2024.
Within a few hours, all three home games for the next round were sold out. The ticket frenzy marks a big change for the Eagles, who went from selling 1,500 seats per game in the fall to 15,000 in one day on Thursday.
“Literally eight minutes (after the tickets went on sale), I got a text from my tickets showing me how many tickets were left, and it was literally just the top bowl,” he said. Nicolas Ruccia, Cape Breton Eagles goalie.
“There’s a reason we’ve been so successful at home, and huge credit for that goes to the fans.”
Now, the team’s focus shifts to their third round opponent.
“We’re always up for a challenge and we can compete with anyone, so we’ll be ready for next week,” said Cape Breton Eagles forward Jacob Newcombe, who set a new Eagles record for points. in a second chance game with six.
Games three and four of the Q-league semi-finals are set for April 29 and 30 at Center 200, with game six in Sydney, if necessary, on May 4.
For more Nova Scotia news visit our dedicated provincial page.
