The Amherst Ramblers saw their playoff run come to a close this week, following a hard-fought seven-game series against the Summerside Western Capitals in the Maritime Junior Hockey League semi-finals. While the team ultimately fell 1-0 in the deciding game on March 28, 2026, the series will be remembered for the resilience shown by the players, particularly during a dramatic comeback victory in Game 5.
On March 23, 2026, the Amherst Ramblers pulled off a stunning 4-3 win at Credit Union Place in Summerside. Facing a 3-0 deficit after the first period, the team mounted a comeback that saw goals from Jacob Kaine, Mark Corbett, Ty Peddigrew, and Cooper Cormier. Goaltender Hudson Bradley was instrumental in the win, turning away all 18 shots he faced in the final two periods to finish with 32 saves on the night.
The victory was punctuated by the performance of forward Anthony Gaudet. Recently named the league’s player of the year after leading the Maritime Junior Hockey League with 89 points during the regular season, Gaudet recorded three assists in the Game 5 win, including the primary setup for the game-winning goal by Cormier.
The series proved to be a highly competitive matchup between two top teams. The Western Capitals had finished the regular season tied for first in the 12-team league, securing the top seed through more regulation-time wins. The intensity of the playoff series was clear on the ice, as five of the seven games were decided by a single goal, with two of those contests requiring overtime.
The Ramblers, who play their home games at the historic Amherst Stadium, finished their season following the heartbreaking loss in Game 7. Despite the early exit, the team’s effort throughout the playoffs provided local fans with one of the most closely contested series in recent league history.
