The New Waterford Cavaliers intermediate D Hockey Team became Nova Scotia Champions at the end of the 1980-1981 hockey season. The Cavaliers were in a local league with the Northside Combines, Whitney Pier Pirates, and Castle Bay Sabres. The New Waterford squad won the regular season with a record of 15 wins, 3 losses, one tie, clinching first place in the regular schedule.

The Cavaliers received a bye in the first round of playoffs, leaving Northside and Castle Bay to play off for the right to challenge New Waterford in the final. Whitney Pier, finishing a distant fourth, did not participate in playoffs.

In the final, the Cavaliers met the Northside Combines for the league title. During the regular season, the two teams split the seven contests played, each team winning three and tying one. The New Waterford team quickly jumped to a three game lead and in the end defeated the Northside squad 4 games to 2.

The Nova Scotia final saw the New Waterford Cavaliers play the mainland champion, Shubenacadie Lions in a best of 3 final. The Lions won their league with an overall record of 28 wins, 6 losses and 2 ties.

The first game hosted at the New Waterford and District Community Centre, with a packed house watching, saw the Cavaliers defeat the mainland team 5-4, and open a one game lead.The second game, the following Saturday, was played at the Lance Arena. The Cavaliers made a strategic move the morning of the second game by renting the Lance Arena for a light skate to familiarise themselves with the rink. This proved decisive as the team clinched the Nova Scotia Title with a 10-6 victory.