The Vankleek Hill Cougars (10-5-1-0) saw their six-game undefeated streak come to an end with a 5-1 loss to the Metcalfe Jets (7-6-0-2), in front of home fans at the Vankleek Hill Community Centre last Saturday (November 23).
Despite the setback, the Junior C Cougars remain in third place in the National Capital Junior Hockey League (NCJHL) standings, with 21 points in 16 games – four points ahead of the St-Isidore Eagles (7-7-2-1) and two back of the Westport Rideaus (11-6-0-1). Vankleek Hill has two games in hand on Westport and has played one less game than St-Isidore.
Saturday, November 23 – Vankleek Hill Cougars 1, Metcalfe Jets 5
Missing a number of top line players, including team captain Andy Lightle-Blais, a short-handed Cougars squad fell 5-1 to an improving Metcalfe Jets team, despite a solid performance by lone netminder Tristan Paquette.
Forward Sebastien Ouimet scored the lone goal for Vankleek Hill just over five minutes into the second period, to cut a first-period 2-0 Metcalfe lead to one goal, but that was as close as the Cougars would come. Metcalfe responded with two goals before the midway point of the second to go up 4-1 and cruised from there to the 5-1 win.
Vankleek Hill was missing a number of regulars due to pre-approved commitments.
“We were missing a lot of players who usually play on the top couple of lines and some (defensemen) as well, and that certainly played a part,” said Cougars head coach Ryan Allen, noting all of the absences were planned for school, work, or travel.
The absences did allow other players to get more ice time than usual – something Allen noted will pay off as the season continues.
“Whenever there are missing guys, (other players) have the opportunity to show what they can do and fight for more ice time and more opportunities. If they make my job harder, that’s a good thing.”
Sunday, November 17 – Vankleek Hill Cougars 2, Cumberland Castors 0
Tristan Paquette earned the shutout, while Sebastien Quimet and Zachary Bigras each had a goal and an assist, as the Cougars topped Cumberland (5-8-1-1) by a 2-0 score. Reid Cunning and Cody Horner also had assists, as Vankleek Hill played a solid two-way game on the road.
Saturday, November 16 – Vankleek Hill Cougars 6, Almonte Inferno 2
Reid Cunning, Brenden Easterbrook, Andy Lightle-Blais, Nikolas Mayer, Sebastien Ouimet, and Zachary Sullivan each scored, while Mael Gendron earned the win, as the Cougars earned a 6-2 road win over the Inferno (6-10-0-0).
Cody Horner had three assists in the contest, while Cunning, Ouimet, Jacob Crete, Johnny Kirby, and Callus Nystrom also had helpers.
Cougars continue to improve as 2024-2025 NCJHL season progresses
With 11 of a possible 14 points in their last seven games, the Cougars have climbed steadily up the NCJHL standings into a solid third place, but the team’s coach envisions even more improvement as the season progresses.
“As a whole, we’ve definitely improved as a team since the start of the year,” said Cougars head coach Ryan Allen. “When you look at the team and our depth, we definitely have what it takes to make a run this year and make a good push in the playoffs.”
Upcoming games
Vankleek Hill faces a big test at home, as the Cougars face off against the undefeated Gatineau-Hull Volant (17-0-0-0) this Saturday (November 30). Puck drop at the Vankleek Hill Arena is at 7:30 p.m.
On Sunday, December 1, the Cougars travel to nearby St-Isidore to face the Eagles in a match that kicks off at the St-Isidore Arena at 7:30 p.m.
Vankleek Hill travels to Metcalfe for a rematch against the Jets on Friday, December 6. Game time at the Larry Robinson Arena is 8:15 p.m.
On Saturday, December 7, the Cougars are on the road in South Grenville to face the Rangers (4-11-0-1). Puck drop at the Alaine Chartrand Community Centre in Prescott is at 7:30 p.m.
Photo Gallery – Cougars vs Jets Saturday, November 23
