Hockey season is just around the corner and the news is rolling in, with all of the local teams getting ready for the 2022-2023 season! I am very excited about the upcoming hockey season and literally cannot wait. As everyone knows, hockey is my thing!
Cougars tryouts begin August 31
The Vankleek Hill Cougars will be holding tryouts beginning on August 31 at the Hartley Sports Complex in Hawkesbury. The Cougars will be playing out of the Hawkesbury arena for the 2022-2023 National Capital Junior Hockey League (NCJHL) season, while the Vankleek Hill Community Centre undergoes renovations.
Players who would like to play competitive hockey this year with a great organization, while still going to school or while working, are invited to try out for the Cougars this year. Players born from 2002-2006 are welcome to come tryout. The cost for registration is150$ and that price guarantees three ice times in Hawkesbury and two exhibition games.
For more information call Greg McEachern at 613-677-3579, Franky Dopelhamer at 613-678-0574, or Carl Bougie at 613-676-1859. Information can also be found on the Vankleek Hill Cougars Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=464518529016073&set=a.439634381504488.
Vankleek Hill Softball League playoffs this weekend
The Vankleek Hill Softball League is holding its playoffs this Saturday, August 27, and Sunday, August 28.
The Yellow team is the favorite in this playoffs, having posted a perfect 26 points in 13 games this season. Not far behind however is the Green squad, which finished with 22 points on the season.
There are a lot of other colors that will be looking to play spoilers on the weekend by knocking off one of the top two teams. Stop by the ball diamond at the Vankleek Hill Arena on the weekend to cheer on your favorite players!
Rick Dorval will excel with Sudbury Wolves
I am so happy to see my friend Rick Dorval hired as an assistant coach with the Sudbury Wolves. There are very mixed feelings here, as Rick has been one of my favorite people with the Hawks over the years and I will greatly miss him in Hawkesbury, but I am glad to see him get the opportunity.
I think it’s amazing for Rick to be going back to where he was born. He is originally from Sudbury so I am sure he is happy to be coaching for his hometown team and I am happy for him.
It’s a good opportunity for him and I have no doubt that he will excel in his new position. Rick is an excellent coach, knows hockey as well as anyone, and he will be an terrific addition to the coaching staff of the Sudbury Wolves.
Hawks remain in good hands with Bernique
Congratulations to Marc Bernique, who has been named as the new General Manager of the Hawkesbury Hawks. Marc will do a wonderful job with the Hawks.
I know Marc very well and have worked with him as a statistician in the past. He is a good guy and I have always really enjoyed working with him. The Hawks have made an excellent selection in picking Marc as GM.
Hawks exhibition season begins September 6
The Hawkesbury Hawks will begin exhibition play for the 2022-2023 season on Tuesday, September 6, when they travel to play the Rockland Nationals in a 7:30 p.m. start at the Rockland arena.
Two days later the Hawks will visit Cornwall to face off against the Colts on Thursday, September 8. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
Mac joins Alexandria Glens as team statistician
I will be joining the Alexandria Glens as the team’s statistician for the 2022-2023 Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League season thanks to my old buddy Chris Lajoie, who is now GM of the Glens. Chris used to be a scout for the Hawkesbury Hawks and it is very nice that we will be working together again.
Known as Vankleek Hill’s Sports Authority, Mackenzie Hinton writes regular sports updates on his popular Facebook page. Mac is the statistician for the Vankleek Hill Cougars, Hawkesbury Hawks, and Alexandria Glens Junior hockey clubs. His column appears weekly in The Review.
