With two weekends left in the regular season, matchups for the 2026 playoffs are set.  Each year the NBPEI Major U18 Hockey League determines a winner in both New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island to represent their respective Hockey Branches at the U18 Major Atlantics. The four New Brunswick teams will play the best of seven semi and final series starting the first week of March with the two Prince Edward Island teams playing a best of seven final series starting mid March.  Playoff schedules will be posted  when finalized.

This years' Atlantics will be hosted by the Saint John Vitos in Quispamsis, NB April 1st to 5th.   

The NBPEI Major U18 Hockey Hockey League is sad to announce the passing of Vice President, Gerald Bannister on February 12th, 2026.  Gerald has been a fixture around the NBPEI Major U18 Hockey League for close to 20 years.  His presence, enthusiam and love for hockey will be missed by the League and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.  

Condolences to Cathy, Doug, Tania and extended families. Our thoughts are with you in this time of grief. 

Let's hope he has good hockey to watch!!

Barry Thompson, President, Moncton Flyers, Fredericton Caps, Saint John Vitos, Northern Moose, Charlottetown Knights, Kensington Wild

The NBPEI Major U18 Hockey League is into the final stretch of the regular season schedule with the top four placings still up or grabs. Most teams have 12 games left in their schedules and with only 12 points seperating first to fourth every point counts toward the final placings.  Given the competitiveness of the regular season games every team has to be ready to play every night. 

The regular season wraps up February 27th with playoffs starting the first week of March. This year, like previous years, teams from each province play within their province for the right to represent their respective province at the Atlantics, hosted by the Saint John Vitos, April 1st to 5th at the Qplex in Quispamsis, NB.  Both the NB and PEI teams with square off in the best of seven playoff rounds to determine their Provincial Champions.

Given how close the league has been all season, expect all series to go 6-7 games, making for some exciting playoff hockey.  All games will be streamed again this year on AOLive (https://www.ao.live/)

With the Holiday Season coming the NBPEI Major U18 Hockey League would like to wish All Teams, Families and Fans a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Heading into the Holiday Season NBPEI Teams will have played between 20 and 25 games each.  Although the standings may show a gap between the top four teams and the bottom two teams, they dont give the entire story line on games. This season all games have been very competitive, including those interlocking games with the NSU18MHL.  Twenty percent of games have gone to overtime and 90% have been within 2 goals.  The league has shown that any team can win on any night. 

This should make for a good finish to the season and exciting playoff series.  

The 2025 Major U18 Interlocking Showcase wrapped up on Sunday at Credit Union Place in Summerside with the two Cape Breton teams facing off against Saint John and Charlottetown.  This years Showcase featured 12 games between the Nova Scotia and New Brunswick/Prince Edward Island Major U18 leagues.  Bragging rights this showcase went to the NBPEI League taking ten of the twelve games.  All games were competitive and by all accounts, teams were pleased with the event.

The NBPEI Major U18 Hockey League would like to thank the Kensington Wild for hosting the well organized event this year. Both leagues look to continue the interlocking showcase next season with the event moving back to Nova Scotia.

Next up for the teams is the Monctonian Tournament, November 13th thru November 16th at the Greenfoot Energy 4-Plex in Moncton. Last years' champion, Moncton Flyers are looking to defend their 2024 Monctonian win.  All six NBPEI teams start off the Monctonian midday Thursday, November 13th and wrap up round robin play midday Saturday, November 16th. 

All games will be streamed on AO.Live for those unable to make the tournament.

Saturday's winning number for the U18 showcase is D-026191. ($1670)

if you have the winning number contact Duane at   902-629-0432