Raoul Boilard and his Cape Breton Eagles were in action Friday night, and to be honest, it looked like his season — and junior career — might be over.
The Eagles entered Game 5 of their QMJHL playoff series against the Newfoundland Regiment trailing 3–1 and facing elimination. Things only got worse early, as Cape Breton fell behind 3–0 just 12:49 into the first period. Not going to lie: the obituary for Boilard’s junior career was already being drafted.
Boilard Starts the Comeback
But Boilard had other plans.
With the Eagles on a first‑period power play, the puck found Boilard behind a teammate in front. One backhand later, Cape Breton finally had life. The goal — his third of the playoffs and team‑leading sixth point — came at 17:49.
🚨#17 Raoul Boilard
🍎#65 Aiden McCullough
🍏#94 Lewis Gendron
1:50 Left To play In the first
3-1 Regiment#DefendTheIsland pic.twitter.com/q8hUpD5Jr2— Cape Breton Eagles (@CBEHockey) April 3, 2026
The period ended 3–1, and Newfoundland restored its three‑goal lead with a second‑period marker to make it 4–1.
Eagles Refuse to Quit
Cape Breton cut the deficit to 4–2 at 7:28 of the third. Then Boilard struck again.
At 8:54, he picked up the puck inside the right faceoff circle on the rush and ripped a rising shot under the crossbar to make it 4–3. It was his team‑leading fourth goal and seventh point of the postseason.
🚨#17 Raoul Boilard
🍎#65 Aiden McCullough
🍏#94 Lewis Gendron
11:06 Left To play In the third
4-3 Regiment#DefendTheIsland pic.twitter.com/Z7wPyiyG7M— Cape Breton Eagles (@CBEHockey) April 4, 2026
The Eagles completed the comeback at 18:49 to force overtime.
Just 22 seconds into the extra period, Cape Breton finished the job, earning a 5–4 overtime win and sending the series back to Newfoundland for Sunday’s Game 6.
Boilard was named the game’s third star after a 2‑goal, 2‑point night with a game‑high seven shots and a +1 rating. He also added a boarding minor and went 9‑for‑15 on faceoffs.
Boilard continues to lead Cape Breton in scoring and ranks sixth in the QMJHL in playoff goals and eighth in points. Lake Superior State will have to wait a little longer for their incoming center.
Gatorade Player of the Game
In Cape Breton, their fans vote on the player of the game. And the winner is
Your Eagles Gatorade Player of the Game, brought to you by Cape Breton Beverages, and voted by YOU is… #17| Raoul Boilard #GatoradePlayerofTheGame pic.twitter.com/FFq692Guuq
— Cape Breton Eagles (@CBEHockey) April 4, 2026
Saturday Evan Passmore and his Barrie Colts look to advance to the second round. They play game five of their OHL Eastern Conference series with the Niagara IceDogs.
