An international sports magazine suggested that the 1971-72 Nova Scotia Voyageurs were good enough to hold their own in the NHL. Another observer wrote that they were, “a perfect blend of experience and youth.” The team was a superb hockey machine; it was a team without significant flaws.

The goaltending was solid all season, with Michel Plasse catching fire in the playoffs and being named playoff MVP. The defence was a mix of veterans and youth, with forward units that demonstrated speed, toughness, finesse, and flair. The job of moulding all the talent fell to Cape Breton native Al MacNeil, who had coached the Montreal Canadiens to the Stanley Cup the previous season. With MacNeil as coach, the ’71-72 Vees won the Calder Cup.

Members of the team were: Charles Amason, Murray Anderson, Ron Busniuk, Reynald Comeau, Floyd Curry, Michel Deguise, Tony Featherstone, Germain Gagnon, Tino Geoffroy, Joe Hardy, Mike Kelly, Kerry Ketter, Yvon Lambert, Mike Laughton, Chuck Lefley, Al MacNeil (coach), Bob Murray, Dr. Ken Nickerson, Michel Plasse, Sam Pollock, Lynn Powis, Noel Price, Doug Robinson, Larry Robinson, Randy Rota, Claude Ruel, Wayne Thomas, Fred Voeltz, Murray Wilson.