The Avalon East Senior Hockey League (AESHL) has released the schedule for the 2026 semi‑final playoffs, with the first semi‑final set to begin Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, at the CBS Arena in Conception Bay South. The Conception Bay Baker Flooring Blues will open a best‑of‑seven series against the Clarenville Ford Caribous in the first game of the matchup.
Game 1 is scheduled for Friday night, Feb. 6, with Game 2 set for the following evening, Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at the Clarenville Events Centre. The Blues finished the regular season in first place and are also preparing to host the 2026 Allan Cup later this spring — a national tournament that makes their playoff performance an important test for the club.
The Clarenville Ford Caribous enter the series as the defending AESHL champions (2025). Both clubs have added players in recent months as they sharpen rosters for the playoff run, making this semi‑final a significant challenge for each side. The winner will advance to the AESHL finals with the goal of competing for the Herder Memorial Trophy, Newfoundland and Labrador’s senior hockey championship.
The series alternates between Conception Bay South and Clarenville, and it is expected to draw travelling supporters from across the Conception Bay region — including fans from Bay Roberts and other nearby communities — who traditionally attend AESHL playoff games. This is the first confirmed semi‑final matchup as the league moves toward its 2026 championship conclusion.
