KJ S.

1968 – 1971 Charlottetown Islanders

KJ S.
Prince Edward Island Provincial Heritage Fair
Charlottetown, PE

Before the CHL and the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) existed, the Charlottetown Junior Islanders, a group of local players, played against many of the best junior players in Canada… and won. This team has been inducted into the Prince Edward Island Sports Hall of Fame twice. Their most famous games come from a legendary series where they played against Guy LaFleur and the Quebec Remparts in the Memorial Cup semi-final. While the Islanders only lasted as a team for a short time, they proved to the rest of the country that hockey players from a small place like PEI could compete with the best. My grandfather was a team owner and director. 

What sources and evidence did you consult for your project? What different perspectives did they provide on your topic?

I researched my project on the internet, and by attending the team’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony. I also interviewed my grandfather.

What is the historical significance of your topic?

Many people did not think local hockey players from a small place like Prince Edward Island could compete with the best teams in the country. The Islanders proved these people wrong. Almost half of the team’s roster ended up turning professional. Many PEI hockey players who have played at a high level have this team to thank for opening doors for them to be accepted within the top levels of hockey. 

Why did you choose this topic? 

I was at the most recent Hall of Fame induction ceremony with my family and I became interested in the story of this team. I play hockey myself and it was interesting to learn about the history of hockey in my hometown.