Screaming Eagles enter the post-season on a high

For the first time in seven years, the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles will start the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League playoffs at home.

Fans were quick to scoop up their tickets for Eagles playoff hockey. With eight wins in the last 10 regular season games, fans are heading into the post-season with a sense of optimism.

“We've had several that have the opportunity for the deep run, but we've only gone deep once,” says George Bailey, Eagles fan. “I think this year, if we play the way we've been playing the last several weeks, I think we could go very far.”

The team has been around for 19 years, but playoff success has been hard to come by. Other Maritime teams like, Halifax, Moncton, Bathurst and Saint John have gone on to win league championships.

“I think this team can drive on success, we've got the team to do it,” says Clark Bishop, Eagles player. “I think the last past years we've built it up and this year is our year to go for it.”

The Eagles have arguably the top line in the Canadian Hockey League, centred by Pierre Luc Dubois, who is high on the list of many NHL scouts.

“He's pumped, like many of our players, really excited about the playoffs starting Friday night,” says Marc Andre Dumont, Eagles head coach. “I wouldn't be surprised to see him build his game, it's going to be key for him, as a 17 year old key player on our team, he's going to have a big role.”

Cape Breton will meet Chicoutimi in the first round of the playoffs, but the Saguenéens may not be the team’s biggest challenge – the million dollar Chase The Ace draw in Sydney is happening the same night as game two of the series.

“We will have a verifier here,” says Chris Tournidis, Eagles marketing manager. “We will even put you in your car and drive you over to the legion for a shot at the $1 million.”

The prize for the group of young players is the possibility of bringing home a championship for the fans.

“Last year the fans were great in playoffs,” says Bishop. “It's the loudest I've ever heard the rink since I've been here four years. They're looking forward to it as much as we are and we're going to try and give them what they want.”

Game one of the series goes Friday night at Centre 200 in Sydney.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Kyle Moore