In recent seasons, the Carolina Kraken and Newfoundland Berserkers franchises have been battling at the top of the SMJHL Eastern Conference standings with the teams going back and forth holding the top spot. The two teams have battled in the playoffs as well with both teams also winning cups in the last three seasons, the Kraken in S54 and Bersekers in S55. This rivalry on the ice was pretty fierce and always produced quality games. Both teams had to go through each other in their respective Four Star Cup Championship runs. The funny part is that both of these teams are rebuilding a bit and are fighting in the middle of the Eastern Conference standings now instead of at the top where they have been for the last three seasons. It will be interesting if the S53 to S55 rivalry between these two teams sticks since they are both building back similarily or if one team will blow past the other battling the likes of the Citadelles or Timber who both seem to be the teams to beat now with Detroit looking good for the next few seasons too. The Eastern Conference of the SMJHL is going to be fun to watch.