If you thought the Halifax Metro Centre had kicked the Mooseheads out for the Brier, think again.

The hockey Mooseheads have been banished to a long QMJHL road trip, but their curling counterparts have invaded the Nova Scotia capital, in full force.

Northern Ontario supporters are easily spotted in the stands, with their brown felt hats and yellow moose antlers sticking up in the air. If you have trouble with your eyesight, you can always use your ears to guide you to the right section.

The constant drone of a bull moose can be heard anytime the Brad Jacobs rink makes a good shot, which has been early and often at this Brier.

Al MacRae is one of the self-proclaimed "mooseheads" who made the trip from Northern Ontario.

He proudly showed me his signature noisemaker that simulates the moose call.

It's an empty coffee can with a small hole cut out of the bottom, big enough for a round skate lace to pass through. The hole must be small enough to create some friction. Then you dip the lace in water to moisten it, and pull it back and forth.

The vibrations make the distinctive sound.

"Contary to popular belief there are more moose in Northern Ontario than Newfoundland. It's part of a Northern Ontario tradition," MacRae told me.

"We like to cheer on our team and to save our vocal chords we use a tin can with a string!"

The green, yellow and brown of Northern Ontario resembles nothing of the province's official colours or emblem.

MacRae, who hails from the remote community of Red Lake, Ont. (north of Kenora), explained to me that the region has a distinct identity.

Anybody from north of the White River line identifies more with Northern Ontario, than Ontario, he said.

It's having a big effect on Northern Ontario Skip Brad Jacobs.