Cape Breton Eagles forward Cole Burbidge has committed to Acadia University for the 2025-26 hockey season. JEREMY FRASER/CAPE BRETON POST Photo by Jeremy Fraser /Jeremy FraserArticle contentBalmas returns to Sheffield 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 contentMitchell Balmas will be returning to England for the 2025-25 hockey season. Article contentArticle contentThe Sydney product was recently re-signed by the Sheffield Steelers of the Elite Ice Hockey League for the new campaign. Article contentThe 27-year-old finished the 2024-25 season with 23 goals and 57 points in 54 games. He also added five goals and seven points in four playoff games with the club. Article contentArticle contentBalmas has been with the Steelers since the 2023-24 campaign. Article contentHe’ll join longtime friend and fellow Sydney native Derek Gentile on the Steelers roster next season. Gentile signed with the organization in the spring. No Team Atlantic for Junior Little League Article contentThere will be a region missing when the Canadian Junior Little League Championship begins this week in Lethbridge, Alta. Article contentThe national tournament will not have representation from Atlantic Canada this year. Article contentThe Cape Breton Post has learned no team was formed in Cape Breton. It’s unclear if there was a potential representative out of New Brunswick. Article contentThe Canadian Junior Little League Championship will feature the host Lethbridge, Quebec, Ontario. Alberta and British Columbia. Article contentThe tournament begins on today and runs until July 29. Article contentAs of publication time, it was unknown if Atlantic Canada would return to the national event in 2026. Article contentArticle content Eagles players commit to universityArticle contentA pair of players with Cape Breton Eagles connections have committed to university hockey. Article contentFormer Eagles defenceman François-James Buteau will join the NCAA’s Canisius College in Buffalo for the 2025-26 season. Article contentThe 21-year-old Buteau played two-and-a-half seasons in Sydney with the Eagles before being traded to the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies. He finished his Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League career last season with the former Acadie-Bathurst Titan. Article contentIn 265 career games in the QMJHL, Buteau had 32 goals and 79 points along with 228 penalty minutes and a –16 rating. Article contentMeanwhile, Eagles forward Cole Burbidge recently committed to the Acadia Axemen of the Atlantic University Sport for the 2025-26 campaign. Article contentThe 19-year-old Burbidge played two full seasons with the Eagles following a trade to the club from the Saint John Sea Dogs following the 2022-23 season.
Cape Breton Sports In Brief for July 22, 2025
