SYDNEY, N.S. — The Cape Breton Eagles' hopes of Antoine Crête-Belzile returning to their lineup are “dwindling down,” says general manager Jacques Carrière.
The 20-year-old defenceman has not played a game this season after suffering a concussion during Game 1 of last season’s Quebec Major Junior Hockey League first-round playoff series with the Charlottetown Islanders on March 22.
The Quebec City native is still on concussion protocol, but remains on the Eagles protected list for the time being.
“It doesn’t sound like he’s going to be ready medically to join the team,” said Carrière. “We’re still waiting, but the hopes are dwindling down.”
TIMELINE:
- June 2, 2018 – Cape Breton acquires defenceman Antoine Crête-Belzile from the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada for Peyton Hoyt, Antoine Rochon and a second-round pick in 2018
- September 2018 to March 2019 - Crête-Belzile appears in 59 regular season games with the Eagles, recording 2 goals and 15 assists for 17 points
- March 22, 2019 - Crête-Belzile suffers a concussion during Game 1 of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League first-round playoff series against the Charlottetown Islanders
- March 23 to Dec. 13, 2019 - Crête-Belzile has not played a game since but has been on the ice for a practice in Quebec City. He remains on concussion protocol.
- Jan. 10, 2020 – The final day for Cape Breton to submit its roster for the 2019-20 season. A decision on Crête-Belzile will need to be made by this date.
Crête-Belzile was acquired Cape Breton on June 2, 2018, in a deal with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada for forwards Peyton Hoyt, Antoine Rochon and a second-round pick in 2018.
He appeared in 59 regular season games with the Eagles, posting two goals and 15 assists for 17 points. He had no points in his lone playoff contest with the team.
Carrière said Crête-Belzile has skated and practised with a junior ‘AA’ team in Quebec City.
“He’s been on the ice on a couple of occasions, but he cannot sustain any contact,” he said.
In order for Crête-Belzile to rejoin the club, he would need approval by three doctors including the Eagles’ team doctor as well as concussion specialists working for the QMJHL and Canadian Hockey League.
Crête-Belzile would need to pass what’s called “baseline testing” in order to get approval by the specialists.
Cape Breton has to submit its final roster to Hockey Canada by Jan. 10, meaning a decision on Crête-Belzile will have to be made by that date.
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