Article content“I was very surprised to get the call,” said Forance. “I was hoping to get a call from someone, but I didn’t expect it to be the Eagles, but I’m very glad. I’ve been watching the Eagles since I’ve been a kid, so it was pretty surreal to get the call.Article content“Not every goaltender gets drafted. I’ve definitely heard a lot of stories about goalies not getting drafted and turning out to do good things, so I’m not worried about not being draft.”Article contentWith the Islanders last season, Forance partnered with Jack Bell to form the team’s goaltending tandem. Bell had been drafted in the 12th round, No. 203 overall, by Halifax in the 2025 QMJHL Entry Draft.Article content“He always pushed me to be better. We were always pushing each other in practice,” said Forance. “We would show each other things and really did whatever we could to make each other better.”Article content Leo Forance of Inverness keeps a close eye on Ethan Fraser during intrasquad action at Cape Breton Eagles training camp at Centre 200 in Sydney on Thursday. The 16-year-old would make a save on the play. Photo by JEREMY FRASER /CAPE BRETON POSTArticle content‘LOOKING TO DO BIG THINGS’Article contentWhile Forance is at Eagles camp, Bell hit the ice for training camp with the Mooseheads earlier this week. Forance and Bell have talked to each other about their respective camps.Article contentArticle content“We’ve talked about it a little bit,” said Forance. “We’re both expecting a very good camp and we might even see each other as well because we have exhibition games.Article content“I’m just looking to show them (the Eagles staff) what I have. I know what I can do, so I’m looking to do big things.”Article contentCape Breton and Halifax were scheduled to play in their first preseason game against each other on Friday night at Oulton-Stanish Centre in Halifax. The rosters and score result for the game were not available at publication time.Article contentThe Eagles and Mooseheads will also be in action on Saturday at 7 p.m., at the Membertou Sport and Wellness Centre.Article contentAs for Forance, he was on the ice on Thursday for a pair of intrasquad games to open the Eagles’ rookie camp at Centre 200 in Sydney.Article contentRookie camp will wrap up on Sunday with a three-on-three intrasquad game at 1 p.m., at Centre 200. Cuts are expected to be made later in the day before camp breaks from Monday to Aug. 29 prior to the start of the main training camp on Aug. 30.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentBIOArticle contentLEO FORANCEArticle contentHometown: InvernessAge: 16Position: GoaltenderHeight: 6’1”Weight: 165QMJHL: Free Agent Invite 2026MHL Entry Draft: Selected in the eighth-round, No. 91 overall, by Truro in 2025 Article contentArticle contentCAREER STATISTICSArticle content2023-24 – The Novas (NSU15MHL) – GP: 17 – Record: 11-5-0-0 – G.A.A.: 1.69 – SV%: .9272024-25 – Cabot Highlanders (NSU16AAAHL) – GP: 19 – Record: 7-9-2-0 – G.A.A.: 2.37 – SV%: .9342025-26 – Cape Breton West Islanders (NSU18MHL) – GP: 17 – Record: 9-8-0-0 – G.A.A.: 3.23 – SV%: .902 Article contentArticle contentCAMP WEEKEND SCHEDULEArticle contentSaturdayArticle content10 a.m. – Group B Practice7 p.m. – Preseason Game – Halifax @ Cape BretonArticle contentSundayArticle content1 p.m. – Intrasquad Game – Three-on-threeArticle contentNote: Cuts are expected to be made on Sunday.Article contentArticle contentTRAINING CAMP COVERAGEArticle contentFollow Cape Breton Post sports reporter Jeremy Fraser on X at www.twitter.com/CBPost_Jeremy for live updates and analysis and visit capebretonpost.com for news, stories and photos throughout the weekend from camp.Article contentArticle contentArticle content
Inverness goaltender making most of Cape Breton Eagles rookie camp invite
