Halifax Mooseheads defenceman Eddy Doyle, 51, defends against Charlottetown Islanders forward Matthew Butler, 13, in a QMJHL game at Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown on Nov. 8. Doyle, from Nail Pond, P.E.I., is in his sophomore season with the Mooseheads. Photo by Jason Simmonds /Journal PioneerArticle contentA year’s experience and a productive summer are playing a big role in Eddy Doyle’s progression in the QMJHL.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 content“I had a big off-season (training),” said the six-foot-three, 195-pound Halifax Mooseheads’ sophomore defenceman, who turned 18 on Nov. 8. “I gained a couple of pounds and with that, I also gained more confidence. I just feel better about myself out there.”Article contentArticle contentArticle contentThe son of Randy and Leslie Doyle of Nail Pond, P.E.I., near Tignish, made the jump to the Mooseheads for the 2024-25 season after two years with the Kensington Monaghan Farms Wild of the New Brunswick/P.E.I. Major Under-18 Hockey League.Article content“You have a lot less time and players are a lot bigger, faster, stronger, and better here (than in U18),” said Doyle in discussing the transition to major junior hockey. “You have to try and make the right play in a lot shorter time.”Article contentComfort levelArticle contentMooseheads head coach Brad MacKenzie said Doyle had a steady growth last season but took a big step over the summer.Article content“He put on a lot of weight; he came back with a lot more confidence in his ability and game,” said MacKenzie, from Charlottetown. “I’m biased because I knew Eddy beforehand, but we’re starting to see the Eddy that we saw at under-18, where he was confident to skate with the puck; jump up in the play a little bit, and be aggressive. Those are all good signs.Article contentArticle content“Obviously, the experience in the league from last year has helped him to do that as well.”Article contentNumbersArticle contentLast season, Doyle registered two goals, nine points and was a minus-15 while recording 41 shots on goal in 54 regular-season games.Article contentDoyle collected 10 points – all assists – a plus-11 rating and had 28 shots on goal in the Mooseheads’ first 17 regular-season games of the 2025-26 campaign.Article content“He’s kind of acquired the nickname ‘Steady Eddy’ and that’s for a good reason,” said MacKenzie. “He’s that steady shutdown (defenceman) and you know what you’re getting with him – a very good responsible defenceman, who can also move the puck and contribute a little bit offensively just by putting pucks on net and all aspects of the offensive side.”Article content Halifax Mooseheads defenceman Eddy Doyle, 51, carries the puck in a QMJHL game against the Charlottetown Islanders at Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown on Nov. 8. Doyle is from Nail Pond, P.E.I., near Tignish. Photo by Jason Simmonds /Journal PioneerArticle contentFourth-round pickArticle contentDoyle, a fourth-round selection (75th overall) by the Mooseheads in 2023, said his goal entering this year was to be a reliable and trustworthy defenceman. An example of the confidence the coaching staff has in Doyle is he was on the ice in the last minute of the third period with the Mooseheads protecting a one-goal lead over the host Charlottetown Islanders at Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown on Nov. 8. Doyle also contributed an assist, had a plus-4 rating and was named the game’s third star in the Mooseheads’ 4-2 victory.
Steady Eddy takes big step forward in QMJHL
