The Vankleek Hill Junior “C” Cougars wrapped up the final game of the 2018 calendar year in winning fashion last Saturday.
On December 22, the Cougars played host to the Bytown Royals, looking to avenge a 7-3 loss suffered at the hands of the Royals just a week prior. Signs were good early, as the Vankleek Hill team would end the first period with a 3-1 lead. The Royals would hang around through the second, with each team adding another goal to take a tight 4-2 game to the final frame. However, the Cougars would assert their will in the third period, drumming the Royals for five goals to seal the victory by a score of 9-4. Thirteen different players collected points in the win, with Justin Labrosse leading the way with a goal and five assists on the night. Hugo Blanchard and Trystan Lavoie also had big games, tallying four (1g, 3a) and three (2g, 1a) points, respectively. Goaltender Alexander Labrèche took home his second win in as many starts, maintaining a perfect record in his Cougars tenure this season.
Shayne Allen (1g), Nikolas Ayotte (2a), Nicolas Castonguay (1g, 1a), Justin Chaumont (1a), Tyler Dopelhamer (1g), Vincent Huneault (1g), Jonathan Leblanc (1g), Keean McEachern (2a), and Danny Plourde-Grenon (1a) would round out the scoring for the Cougars.
Vankleek Hill next returns to action on Saturday, January 5, when they take on the Clarence Castors at home for their first game of 2019. The Castors currently lead the East Division of the National Capital Junior League (NCJHL) with 37 points, while the Cougars sit at 34 with a game in hand.