Charlottetown Islanders defenceman Owen Conrad examines his options during a recent QMJHL game at Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown. The islanders, who sit atop the overall standings in the 18-team league, host the Halifax Mooseheads on Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. (MAX 93.1 FM). Photo by Jason Simmonds /The GuardianArticle contentIt has been quite the start to the 2025-26 QMJHL season for the Charlottetown Islanders.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, who already have two long road trips to Quebec out of the way, sat first overall in the 18-team league going into play Nov. 7. The Islanders have 26 points on the strength of an 11-4-1-3 (won-lost-overtime losses-shootout losses) record.Article contentArticle content“The results have been great,” said Islanders general manager and head coach Jim Hulton. “It’s one of the more hectic schedules that I’ve ever seen through the first almost 20 games.Article contentArticle content“To come out of it in the shape that we’re in is a testament to how hard these kids have worked. It’s been hard to get, to be honest, a true evaluation because we’ve played so many games in a state of fatigue, quite frankly.”Article contentDespite losing the final three games, including a shootout decision, of a four-game trip in northern Quebec last weekend, Islanders have earned 14 of a possible 22 points on the road.Article content“As much as we complain about how difficult the schedule has been, the worst of it is over with, and it’s only the first of November,” said Hulton.Article contentHulton added the numbers are strange considering the Islanders are in first place but have allowed two more goals than they’ve scored – 67 against and 65 for.Article content“When we go bad, it’s been some ugly numbers, but I kind of like where we are,” said Hulton. “There’s lots to work on, but we have had some success, and I think we have some confidence. It’s really, really important for a team to get out of the gate with some confidence.”Article contentArticle contentLighter scheduleArticle contentNow, the Islanders will settle into a more team-friendly schedule, game- and practice-wise.Article content“It’s the lack of practice, especially early in the season, so your structure starts to slide,” said Hulton. “That was evident on the weekend (when the Islanders dropped the final three games of a four-game trip in Quebec).Article content“I’m sure people are sick of me saying it, but I also have to make sure that our players understand playing five games in eight days – with a ton of travel – is going to take a bite out of you, energy-wise.Article content“The exciting part for us is that we came through with a good record, and now we start to look between here and Christmas, the schedule slows down.”Article contentThe Islanders will play two games over the next three weekends.Article content“That allows us, No. 1, to be rested and be energized, and then to have some quality practices, which hopefully pushes us to a whole different level,” said Hulton.
QMJHL: First-place Islanders weather hectic schedule
