The Value of Education: Cape Breton Screaming Eagles
The Cape Breton Screaming Eagles are one of 18 teams currently playing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). Education has been a strong value throughout the history of the QMJHL and the Eagles take that value to heart, encouraging each of their players to pursue further education alongside their athletic career.
Cape Breton University is proud to have eight Cape Breton Screaming Eagles players currently enrolled as students. Adam McCormick, Derek Gentile, Shaun Miller, Declan Smith, Kyle Havlena, Mitchell Balmas, Kevin Mandolese and Mathias Laferrière have become pros at balancing their time in the classroom with their hours on the ice.
CBU’s strong connection to the Eagles doesn’t stop there. Gerard Shaw, President; Peter MacDonald, General Manager; Pauline Chisholm, Director of Finance; Shaun MacNeil, Manager of Game Operations and Community Events; Ryan MacPherson, Education Coordinator; and Pat McNeil, Play-by-play Announcer and Communications Coordinator are all thriving members of the CBU Alumni family.
These relationships make us even more excited to cheer on the Eagles at CBU Night at the Nest, happening this Saturday at Centre 200. The Eagles will take on the Halifax Mooseheads at 7:00 p.m., and the stands will be filled with orange as the CBU community pours in to show their support. In addition to the exciting on-ice action, there will be live music, activities, presentations and more.
McCormick, who is studying entrepreneurship and psychology at CBU, says seeing the rink filled with fans makes a big difference to the players. “We love when people come to the games to support us,” he says. “We have the best fans in the league and we’re so proud to be part of this community.”
CBU business student, Gentile, agrees, adding that he’s looking forward to the CBU community coming together for this game. For some of CBU’s newest students, this will be their first time seeing a live hockey game. “CBU has allowed me to better understand a variety of cultures because of the great diversity on campus,” says Gentile. “I hope everyone enjoys the game!”
Meet the CBU Student-Athletes of the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles
Adam McCormick#7
Position: Defense
Studying: Entrepreneurship and Psychology
How I balance school with hockey: Making time for schoolwork on the bus, reaching out to professors when I need assistance and using my free time wisely.
If I wasn’t playing hockey I would: Still want to work in the field of hockey, maybe as a coach or agent.
Message to the fans: As a team, we love when our fans come out to the games to support us, it makes a big difference for us players!
Derek Gentile#11
Position: Right Wing
Studying: Business
How I balance school with hockey: Time management has become such an important part of my life, we really learn to master that skill during our time in Junior Hockey.
If I wasn’t playing hockey I would: Consider going to law school, it’s still something I’m very interested in.
Message to the fans: To all the fans that support us, you are the wind in our sails! We have the best 7th man in the league.
Declan Smith#14
Position: Centre
Studying: Marketing
How I balance school with hockey: Having the determination to get things done in both areas.
If I wasn’t playing hockey I would: Run my own business, which I hope to do one day.
Message to the fans: Thank you for all of the wonderful support.
Kyle Havlena#15
Position: Defense
Studying: Accounting
How I balance school with hockey: Time management is key. I use every minute I have at the rink to better myself, and I try to do the same with my school work.
If I wasn’t playing hockey I would: Pursue business in the field of marketing or accounting.
Message to the fans: Thank you for your amazing support this year, you drive us to do better and we appreciate all of you.
Shaun Miller#19
Position: Right Wing
Studying: Business
How I balance school with hockey: It’s obviously not the easiest thing to balance, but we have great professors and coaches who are very understanding and allow us to take care of both aspects of our lives.
If I wasn’t playing hockey I would: Hope to follow in my mother’s footsteps and become a successful entrepreneur.
Message to the fans: Thank you to all of our fans, new and seasoned, for the continuous support. We really appreciate it and it helps us perform on new levels.
Mitchell Balmas#22
Position: Right Wing
Studying: Business
How I balance school with hockey: I take my school books on every road trip and study on the bus. CBU has taught me time management and teamwork.
If I wasn’t playing hockey I would: Become an accountant.
Message to the fans: It’s an honour to play in front of you every night, let’s keep filling the Nest!
Kevin Mandolese#31
Position: Goalie
Studying: Business
How I balance school with hockey: On weeknights, I spend my time studying so I can be entirely focused on hockey during the day. CBU has helped me to be organized in my study habits, which has helped me keep up with my routines and workouts throughout the whole year.
If I wasn’t playing hockey I would: Work in my dad’s distribution company.
Message to the fans: Your continued support and encouragement means everything to us. It’s an incredible feeling to play in front of a packed crowd at Centre 200!
Mathias Laferrière#81
Position: Centre
Studying: Entrepreneurship and Psychology
How I balance school with hockey: I make time for schoolwork after practice and on the bus. I’ve learned to be more organized and prepared.
If I wasn’t playing hockey I would: Be a guitar player. I’m a fan of the guitar.
Message to the fans: Thanks a lot for all of the support, we love you and we’re going to keep working hard and winning games!
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Adam McCormick
Derek Gentile
Declan Smith
Kyle Havlena
Shaun Miller
Mitchell Balmas
Kevin Mandolese
Mathias Laferrière