Charlottetown Islanders’ forward Will Shields scored two goals in a home opener against Halifax Mooseheads at Eastlink Centre on Sept. 19. The Islanders defeated Halifax 4-1 before a record-setting crowd. Photo by Jason Simmonds /Guardian fileArticle contentThe Charlottetown Islanders could not have written a better script for the 2025-26 regular-season opener.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe Islanders earned a solid 4-1 victory against the Halifax Mooseheads on Sept. 19 to send most of the 3,609 fans home happy.Article contentArticle contentLarge crowdArticle contentIslanders’ radio play-by-announcer George Matthews pointed out it was the largest crowd to attend a home opener since the arrival of major-junior hockey at Eastlink Centre in 2003, as the P.E.I. Rocket.Article contentArticle contentThe Islanders did not disappoint, jumping out to a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes on a pair of goals off the stick of William Shields.Article contentNathan Leek increased Charlottetown’s lead to 3-0 just before the six-minute mark of the middle frame. Jasu Mensonen got the Mooseheads on the board at 10:21 to make it a 3-1 game after 40 minutes.Article contentMatthew Butler scored in the first minute of the third period to restore the Islanders’ three-goal lead.Article contentRoss Campbell and Max Jardine each recorded a pair of assists for the Islanders. Single helpers were credited to Brady Peddle and Nikita Voyaga.Article contentOverall, the shots-on-goal totals were even 24-24. Donald Hickey earned the goaltending win over Owen Bresson.Article contentThe Islanders were 0-for-2 on the power play while the Mooseheads went 0-for-4.Article contentThe game’s three stars were:Article contentWilliam Shields (Islanders).Ross Campbell (Islanders).Max Jardine (Islanders).Article contentArticle contentArticle contentArticle contentNHL campsArticle contentBoth teams were missing regulars who are attending NHL camps. The Islanders were without veteran defencemen Marcus Kearsey (Columbus Blue Jackets) and Owen Conrad (Toronto Maple Leafs), while the Mooseheads were missing Liam Kilfoil (Detroit Red Wings).Article contentThe Islanders make the return trip to Halifax for the Mooseheads’ home opener on Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. (Max 93.1 FM).Article contentArticle contentJason Simmonds is the sports editor at The Guardian in Prince Edward Island. He can be reached at jsimmonds@postmedia.com and followed on X @JpsportsJason.Article content
QMJHL: Islanders home opener follows perfect script
