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Despite being born in Massachusetts, Cape Breton Eagles draft pick Owen Frick always dreamed of playing in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League.
“All the history that’s in it, seeing all the NHL players that have played in it,” Frick said. “[It’s] one of the harder leagues. And it’s just an absolute grind up there and I love it.”
The 5-10 forward, described as a “little physical tough guy,” was one of four Americans selected by the Eagles at the 2026 QMJHL entry draft in Halifax. Cape Breton chose him in the sixth round, 101st overall.
“I was just super excited and it changed my day,” he said.
Cape Breton has selected four U.S.-born players in each of the past two drafts, a franchise high. The Halifax Mooseheads also set a record by drafting eight U.S. players compared to six Canadians.
Talent from U.S.
A record 49 American players were selected through 12 rounds of the 2026 draft, according to Elite Prospects. By comparison, six U.S. players were drafted in 2022, 37 in 2012 and 14 in 2002.
The trend spans the Canadian Hockey League.
The Western Hockey League prospects draft saw 62 U.S. players selected in 2026, up from 25 in 2016. Ahead of this weekend’s Ontario Hockey League priority selection, data shows 79 Americans were drafted in 2025, compared to 33 the previous year.
Cape Breton general manager Sylvain Couturier said the team is scouting the United States more than ever.
While they once made just one trip south in a “good year,” the Eagles now employ two scouts dedicated to the region. Couturier also made two trips himself to evaluate talent.
“Two years ago, everything changed,” he said.
NCAA eligibility changes
In November 2025, NCAA Division I hockey rules changed to allow CHL players to retain university eligibility. Previously, playing a single major junior game disqualified a player from the NCAA.
While players could pivot to U Sports after their junior careers, the American college route was blocked.
As a result, highly touted Canadian players like Gavin McKenna and Porter Martone have left the CHL for the NCAA to play against older competition and prepare for professional hockey.
Couturier said the rule change is also driving more Americans to the QMJHL.
“In the past, if they attended any camp for more than 48 hours, they were punished by the rules,” Couturier said. “And if they played one game, they were probably suspended for a year if they decided to go back to the NCAA. Now those rules are gone. A large number of Americans are willing to come and play in the CHL.”
The talent pool available to Couturier has more than doubled. He said that some Canadian talent has slipped down a round or two because teams are simply going for the best players available.
Frick believes the physical style of U.S.-born players appeals to QMJHL teams.
“A lot of Americans play a hard-nosed style of game,” Frick said. “I think it’s kind of taken over hockey a little bit.”
Owen Frick is headed to the Island! <a href=”https://t.co/wYhmDh7DZB”>pic.twitter.com/wYhmDh7DZB</a>
—CBEHockey
Couturier praised Frick’s work ethic, adding he was surprised the forward was still available in the sixth round.
The 16-year-old forward hopes to crack the Eagles’ roster next season. After attending training camp in Cape Breton this August, he plans to complete his high school education at Masters Academy International in Massachusetts when it opens in September.
Frick is committed to the QMJHL, believing it offers the best path to the professional ranks.
“They treat you like NHL players,” Frick said. “You get the best of everything — the best facilities and all that stuff — when you’re still just an 18- or 19-year-old kid.”
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