Opening weekend success

Cape Breton junior ‘B’ teams open NSJHL season with wins

SYDNEY - Cape Breton's entries in the Nova Scotia Junior Hockey League opened the regular season over the weekend with victories over the Cumberland County Blues.

The Eskasoni Eagles use a five-goal second period to power their way to a 6-3 win over the Blues at the Dan K. Stevens Memorial Arena in Eskasoni on Sunday.

Sonny Kabatay had two goals and an assist, while rookie Noah MacKinnon also added a pair of goals. Marcellus Francis and Daymon Johnson added single makers for the Eagles (1-0-0-0).

Burke Beed, grandson of New Waterford product Pius Burke, had two goals and an assist, while Aidan McBurnie had a goal and an assist for Cumberland County (0-3-0-0).

Eskasoni's Andre Leclair made 29 saves. Cumberland County's Aiden MacAlease-Jay stopped 27 of 33 shots.

On Saturday, the Membertou Jr. Miners doubled the Blues 4-2 at the Membertou Sport and Wellness Centre.

Landon Clark netted a pair of goals, while Alexander Chenhall and Riley Crane added goals for the Jr. Miners (1-0-0-0).

Ezekiel Cormier fired home both goals for the Blues.

Membertou's Darian McInnis made 22 saves. Cumberland County's Ryan Weitzle turned aside 22 of 26 shots.

In Port Hawkesbury on Friday night, the Strait Pirates dominated the Blues 7-1 at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre.

Matthew Ellis led the offence with four goals, while Jason Johnson, Zach Binotto and Drew MacDonald also found the back of the net for the Pirates (1-0-0-0).

Colby Titus had the only goal for the Blues. Strait's Michael MacMullen made 22 saves. Cumberland County's Ryan Weitzle stopped 27 of 34 shots. The NSJHL regular season continues this weekend.