The Vankleek Hill Cougars (31-0-0-1) closed out a near-perfect National Capital Junior Hockey League (NCJHL) regular season last Saturday (February 7) with a 5-4 win over the Westport Rideaus (20-9-1-2), but it was far from easy.
Saturday, February 7 – Vankleek Hill Cougars 5, Westport Rideaus 4
Goaltender Mael Gendron gave up just a single goal in 52 minutes of relief, as the Cougars came back from an early 3-0 deficit to edge the Westport Rideaus 5-4 at the Vankleek Arena.
Gendron came into the game after starting goaltender Tristan Paquette was beaten for three goals in the first eight minutes of Saturday’s contest, as Vankleek Hill allowed several two on ones and breakaways in the first half of the opening period. With the defense settling down in front of Gendron, the Cougars closed the deficit to 3-2 by the end of the period, on goals by Bradley Horner and Connor Cook.
Westport’s Jack Storie beat Gendron just two minutes into the second period, to put the Rideaus up 4-2, but Ryder Hill brought the home team back to within one goal, scoring midway through the frame.
Bruno Laframboise tied the game up for Vankleek Hill six minutes into the third period, before Xavier Plante scored to give the Cougars a 5-4 lead they would not relinquish.
Cougars did not lose in regulation all season
With a 5-4 road overtime loss to the St-Isidore Eagles (16-13-0-2) on January 18 as their only blemish on an otherwise perfect regular season, Vankleek Hill earned 63 of a possible 64 points in 32 games during the 2025-2026 NCJHL schedule.
With 45 points, the Kanata Kings (21-8-2-1) finished second on the season, just ahead of Westport, which earned 43 points.
Vankleek Hill to face Morrisburg or North Dundas
Depending upon the results of games this week, Vankleek Hill will face either the Morrisburg Lions (5-26-0-1) or North Dundas Rockets (4-25-0-2) in the first round of the NCJHL playoffs. Although the playoff schedule was not available at press time, the Cougars will host their opening playoff game this Saturday, February 14, at the Vankleek Hill Arena.
In other first round NCJHL playoff series, the Kanata Kings will face the Metcalfe Jets (13-16-0-3), Westport will face the Cumberland Castors (14-15-0-3), and South Grenville (17-13-1-1) will play St-Isidore (16-13-0-2).
Photo Gallery – Cougars vs. Westport February 7, 2026
