Published Jun 07, 2025 • Last updated 2 hours ago • 3 minute readTucker Sinclair of Glace Bay was drafted in the fifth-round by the Rimouski Océanic at the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Entry Draft on Saturday. JEREMY FRASER/CAPE BRETON POST Photo by Jeremy Fraser /Jeremy FraserFour Cape Breton hockey players heard their name called on the second day of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Entry Draft in Quebec City on Saturday.Charlie MacLeod, Tucker Sinclair, Jax Ginnish and Hunter MacDonald were each selected by teams during the 12-round event at Videotron City.MacLeod, 15, was the first Cape Breton-born player taken in the draft after being selected in the fourth-round, No. 70 overall, by his hometown Cape Breton Eagles.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“Being selected by Cape Breton, my hometown, is an hour and I am so excited to get the opportunity to play here,” said MacLeod. “I’ve watched the Eagles my whole childhood and to get the opportunity to finally be selected by them in unbelievable.“Getting drafted is definitely really exciting but now comes the work I need to put in to help myself get into a lineup spot at some point.”The six-foot, 168-pound Sydney River forward finished second in team scoring with the Sydney Mitsubishi Rush, posting 20 goals and 45 points in 37 games in his rookie campaign. He led the club with eight power-play goals.Going into the draft, MacLeod was ranked in the fourth round, No. 69 overall, by QMJHL Central Scouting. Charlie MacLeod of Sydney River was picked in the fourth-round by the Cape Breton Eagles at the 2025 Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Entry Draft on Saturday. JEREMY FRASER/CAPE BRETON POST. Photo by Jeremy Fraser /Jeremy FraserMeanwhile, Glace Bay product Tucker Sinclair was picked in the fifth-round, No. 80 overall, by the Rimouski Océanic.“I’m super happy to get drafted to Rimouski because they are an amazing organization and always develop players very well,” said Sinclair. “My expectations are to make the team soon and then get to work.”Article contentSinclair, the son of former professional hockey player Robbie Sinclair, finished tied for the most goals (20) on the Rush with MacLeod, finishing his rookie year leading the team in points (55). He also chipped in with five power-play markersHe isn’t the only member of his family to be drafted by a QMJHL team in their career. Sinclair’s brother Luke was a seventh-round pick by the Moncton Wildcats in 2023.Sinclair, a five-foot-five, 125-pound forward, was listed as an eligible player going into the draft by QMJHL Central Scouting. Jax Ginnish of Membertou was picked in the sixth-round by the Cape Breton Eagles at the 2025 Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Entry Draft on Saturday. JEREMY FRASER/CAPE BRETON POST Photo by Jeremy Fraser /Jeremy FraserIn the sixth round, Jax Ginnish of Membertou was taken with the No. 102 overall pick by his hometown Cape Breton Eagles.“This is a dream come true being picked by Cape Breton,” said Ginnish. “Growing up watching them and now given the chance to play for them is something words can’t describe. Moving forward, I’m ready to get to work and see what my future holds in an Eagles jersey.”Article contentThe 15-year-old Ginnish recorded nine goals and 25 points in 37 games with the Halifax McDonald’s of the Nova Scotia Under-18 Major Hockey League last season. He also added a goal and four points in 10 playoff games and was given the Scott Dee Memorial Trophy as the league’s top rookie defenceman.During his rookie season in Halifax, Ginnish played with fellow Eagles prospect Riley Creelman.The final Cape Breton player selected in the draft was Cape Breton West Islanders forward Hunter MacDonald of Port Hood. He was picked in the 11th round, No. 195 overall, by the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies.“I was very happy to hear the news,” said the five-foot-10, 170-pound MacDonald. “I look forward to heading to Quebec in August for training camp.”MacDonald, who turns 16-years-old on Wednesday, had 10 goals and 24 points in 37 games with the Port Hood-based Islanders in 2024-25. He added a goal and two points in six playoff games.Article contentMacDonald entered the draft as an eligible player on QMJHL Central Scouting’s list.Cape Breton West goaltender Jack Bell of West River, Pictou County, was also picked in the draft. The Halifax Mooseheads claimed the six-foot, 137-pound Bell with their final pick in the 12th round, No. 203 overall.Bell finished the 2024-25 season with an 8-9-0-0 record along with a 3.37 goals-against-average and a .894 save percentage. He was ranked as an eligible player by QMJHL Central Scouting.Inverness product Leo Forance of the Cabot Highlanders of the Nova Scotia Under-16 ‘AAA’ Hockey League was also eligible for the draft but wasn’t selected.Overall, 219 players were picked in the league entry draft. Alexis Joseph of the Collège Esther-Blondin Phénix of the Quebec Under-18 ‘AAA’ Hockey League was taken first overall by the Saint John Sea Dogs on Friday night.Article content
Taking the next step: Four Cape Breton players selected at QMJHL Entry Draft in Quebec City
