Predictions: Caps @ Centennial Cup

As we all know, the Summerside Western Capitals are the hosts for the 2026 Centennial Cup. 

Out of the 10 teams, they are the only non-league champion, but in my opinion are a champion-caliber team despite going out in division finals to the eventual-MHL champions Truro Bearcats in 7 games. 

If Kolton Bourrett can continue the way he played in the playoffs, most noted-ably, Game 7 of Amherst series and onwards, and steal games - the Capitals could surprise the doubters.  

The Capitals offense, which struggled from time to time in the playoffs, needs to continuously produce every game if they want to go all the way.  

Here is my game-by-game predictions:

May 7 vs Niverville Nighthawks, MJHL (51-6-1)

-Caps lose 3-2 in OT

Goaltending battle, Caps outshoot but offense struggles. Niverville gets the edge in OT.  

May 9 vs Rockland Nationals, CCHL (52-3-0)

-Caps lose 5-1. 

Rockland is just too good and will show why they were number 1 in Canada all season and why they are the favourite to win. Domination from start to finish. 

May 10 vs Canmore Eagles, AJHL (39-19-4)

-Caps win 4-2. 

Canmore had 4 less points than the Caps in three more games played. This team is on the Caps level and after losing twice, Caps are hungry and play their best game of the tournament. 

May 12 vs Thunder Bay Bay Stars, SIJHL (30-14-4)

-Caps win 5-1. 

No disrespect to the SIJHL and its clubs, but this league seems to be the weakest of the 9. Caps offense will come alive giving giving them a boost coming out of preliminary round. 

Final preliminary record:

2-1-1, 7 points (wins are 3 points)

12-11 goal-differential

Caps finish third place in Group A and qualify for the quarter-finals in which they will play the second place team from Group B. 

These are my standings predictions:

Group A

1st - Rockland Nationals, 4-0-0, 12 Pts

2nd - Niverville Nighthawks, 3-1-0, 9 pts

3rd - Summerside Western Capitals, 2-1-1, 7 pts

x4th - Canmore Eagles, 2-2-0, 6 pts

x5th - Thunder Bay Stars, 0-4-0, 0 pts

Group B

1st - Greater Sudbury Cubs (NOJHL), 3-1-0, 9 pts

2nd - College Francais de Longueuil (LHJQ), 3-1-0, 9 pts

3rd - Truro Bearcats (MHL), 2-0-2, 8 pts

x4th - Toronto Patriots (OJHL), 2-2-0, 6 pts

x5th - Flin Flon Bombers (SIJHL), 1-2-1, 4 pts

Going by my standings predictions, the Capitals would face Longueuil in the quarter-finals as the groups crossover. Longueuil posted a 41-6-1 record. 

-Caps lose a heart-breaker 3-2 in OT.

Quarter-final 2: (3) Truro beats (2) Niverville

Semi-final 1: (1) Rockland beats (4) Truro*

Semi-final 2: (2) Sudbury beats (3) Longueuil*

*teams are re-seeded for semi-finals

My pick for the 2026 Centennial Cup champion is the Rockland Nationals who will defeat Longueuil 2-0 in the final.