Falmouth’s Cole Burbidge returns home to join Axemen hockey program

The Acadia Axemen have secured a major local addition to their roster with the commitment of forward Cole Burbidge, a Falmouth, N.S., native and former Acadia Minor Hockey product.

The 6'2, left-shot forward brings a strong offensive resume to the Axemen after a successful QMJHL career with the Saint John Sea Dogs and Cape Breton Eagles. Over three seasons from 2022 to 2025, Burbidge played in 197 regular season games, recording 52 goals and 98 assists. He also contributed three goals and five assists during Cape Breton’s extended playoff run in 2023-24.

“It feels like I have come full circle as I played Acadia Minor Hockey and attended the Acadia Development camps in the summer,” said Burbidge. “To be able to commit and play university hockey at Acadia means a lot and I look forward to helping bring a championship back to Wolfville.”

Burbidge will study business at Acadia University.

“Cole is a huge addition to our program,” said Axemen head coach Darren Burns. “He is a very intelligent player who has offensive instincts that you can’t teach. He’s a kid who has always loved the game from a young age and this is why we believe he has the offensive ability he has. He has become a strong 200-foot player killing penalties last year. But there is no question his offensive prowess will be relied upon heavily by our hockey team.”

Burbidge becomes one of several key new faces joining Acadia as the Axemen prepare for the 2025-26 AUS season. This year's recruitment class also includes: Brayden Schmitt, Jordan Grill, Ryder McIntrye, Zak Lavoie, Roenick Jodoin and Justin DeZoete.