Cougars win twice to move into first place

The Vankleek Hill Cougars continue to roll to start the 2026-2027 National Capital Junior Hockey League season, posting dominant victories last weekend over the Westport Rideaus and Morrisburg Lions to take over first place with a perfect 8-0 record.

Saturday, Oct. 24 – Vankleek Hill Cougars 9, Morrisburg Lions 2

Forwards Tristan Simoneau and Ryder Hill each scored twice and added an assist, while defenseman Brad Horner had a goal and two assists, as the Cougars (8-0-0-0) crushed the last place Morrisburg Lions (0-0-0-8) by a 9-2 score.

Forward Mike Fournier also scored twice in front of the home crowd at the Vankleek Hill Arena, while Cody Horner and Jacob Crete added singles. Crete also had three assists on the night, while Ethan Butler and Liam Lynn each added a pair of helpers. Devon Madden earned the win in net for Vankleek Hill.

The outcome of the contest was never in doubt, as the Cougars took a 4-1 lead after the first period and stretched their advantage to 8-1 at the end of the second.

Friday, Oct. 23 – Vankleek Hill Cougars 7, Westport Rideaus 2

Tristan Simoneau notched a hat trick and an assist, while netminder Tristan Paquette stopped 26 of 28 shots, as the Cougars took a valuable 7-2 road win over the Westport Rideaus (3-5-0-0).

Jacob Crete and Liam Lynn each added a goal and three assists for Vankleek Hill, while Brad Horner and Mike Fournier each had a goal and an assist.

After a quiet first period, the Cougars came out flying in the second frame to build a 4-1 lead. Westport scored early in the third to close the gap to 4-2, but the Cougars responded with three unanswered goals for the 7-2 victory.

Vankleek Hill leads NCJHL standings

With their two weekend victories, the Cougars moved into first place in the NCJHL standings with 16 points. The Metcalfe Jets sit in second place with a 7-2-0-1 record for 15 points in 10 games.

The Kanata Kings and South Grenville Rangers sit tied for third with 10 points over eight games, while the 4-4-0-0 Cumberland Castors hold down the fifth spot.