Brayden Schmitt commits to Acadia
Axemen add talented defenceman to the roster

The Acadia Axemen are proud to welcome Brayden Schmitt to the hockey program. The agile, two-way defenseman from Truro, NS joins the Axemen after playing 5 seasons in the QMJHL, most recently with the Cape Breton Eagles.
Schmitt says, “I decided to choose Acadia University because I love the Valley and the town of Wolfville. The coaching staff was extremely welcoming and kind in our talks, and with old teammates and friends currently on the team I felt it was a perfect fit for me to pursue my schooling and hockey career here. The rink and facility are top-notch and I love playing on the big ice.”
Brayden began his junior career in 2020-21 with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, being named Captain of the team in 2022. After 2 and a half years with the Armada, he was traded at the holiday break in 2022 to the Cape Breton Eagles.
In 2023-24 he recorded his best statistical season scoring 49 points in 68 games. Brayden was named an assistant captain of the Eagles in 2024-25 where he would post 27 points in just 45 games, due to injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident. He was also named QMJHL’s student athlete of the month in February of this year.
Over his 5 seasons in the QMJHL, Schmitt played in 273 regular season games, scoring 135 points, and adding 8 points in 29 playoff games.
Axemen head coach Darren Burns is excited to add Schmitt to their defense core saying, “Bringing Brayden into our program is extremely significant on and off the ice. He personifies leadership and character and he’s a widely respected player in Atlantic Canada and in the Quebec Maritime Junior Hockey League. He is an excellent skating defenceman who has the ability to bring the puck up the ice with ease. His ability to jump in the rush and his polished puck moving ability immediately helps a team’s transition. He plays the game with grit and passion which are key ingredients in the AUS.”
As for Brayden, he says “The Axeman fans should expect to see a smooth-skating defenceman that loves to join the rush and get involved offensively, whilst being able to get back and shut down defensively.”
Schmitt is the first announced Axemen recruit for the upcoming season and he reunites with former Eagles teammate Conor Shortall on the Axemen blueline. Stay tuned for more Axemen commitment announcements in the coming weeks. #GoAcadiaGo
Story by Chris Richards