Cape Breton hockey player not on bus that hit moose in New Brunswick

Cape Breton West Islanders forward Ryan Davidson of Inverness was the first Cape Breton-born player taken during the Maritime Junior Hockey League Entry Draft last June. Davidson was drafted in the eighth-round, No. 94 overall, by the Chaleur Lightning. PHOTO BY JEREMY FRASER /CAPE BRETON POST Article content A Cape Breton hockey player was not on the junior hockey bus that was involved in an accident over the weekend in New Brunswick. Article content Forward Ryan Davidson of Inverness was in the lineup for the Chaleur Lightning during their Maritime Junior Hockey League pre-season game against the Miramichi Timberwolves on Saturday night in Miramichi, N.B. Article content Article content However, Davidson didn’t return to Bathurst with the hockey club, whose bus struck a moose while travelling back home. The 17-year-old was returning to Cape Breton at the time of the incident. Article content Article content Very few details have been released about the accident, but the Lightning did issue a statement on their official Facebook page early Sunday morning. Article content “We’re aware that word has begun to circulate regarding an incident involving our team bus on the way home from tonight’s exhibition game in Miramichi,” reads the statement. Article content “Our bus struck a moose on the way home. Most importantly, all players, coaches and staff are safe and doing well. We appreciate everyone who has reached out to check on the team. Thank you for your concern and support.” Article content The Cape Breton Post contacted New Brunswick RCMP about the accident but didn’t hear back from police at publication time. Article content Davidson spent last season with the Cape Breton West Islanders of the Nova Scotia Under-18 Major Hockey League, posting three goals and 13 points in 34 games. He also added three assists in four playoff games. Article content Last June, Davidson was selected in the eighth-round, No. 94 overall, by the Lightning at the MHL Entry Draft. Article content As for the pre-season game, the Lightning were shutout 3-0 by the Timberwolves. Jack Davis, Carter Bellamy and Joshua Stewart netted goals for Miramichi. Former Cape Breton Eagles forward Carson Griffin had one assist and two penalty minutes in the game. Article content Chaleur will open the 2026-27 regular season on Sept. 12 against Miramichi at 7 p.m. at the Miramichi Civic Centre, before hosting Campbellton in their home opener on Sept. 19 at the K.C. Irving…