Weekend Recap (Oct 18th - 20th)
MEN'S HOCKEY
GAME 1: SAULT COUGARS vs TRINE THUNDER
SAULT STE. MARIE – The first game against the Trine University Thunder was a penalty filled affair in which the both teams would find themselves putting out their special team units more frequently than not. Both teams would trade scoring opportunities early and often and the goalies would answer. Cougars starter Drew Gregory was solid early making some key saves until the 8-minute mark when Trine would open the scoring. The Cougars would respond with pressure of their own and Captain Ryan Vendramin would notch 2 goals in just over 2 minutes to give the Cougars a 2-1 lead heading into 1st intermission.
Back and forth chances would be the theme for the second period and the Cougars would extend their lead to 3-1 on a nice goal banged home in front by Austin Rowe at the 5-minute mark. Just 2 minutes later, the wheels would fall off for Sault College with some sloppy defensive play as Trine would strike for 3 goals in a 2-minute span to take a 4-3 lead towards the end of the period. Cougars would head to the room trailing and in disbelief of the evaporated lead.
Down but not out, the Cougar men would come out hard and press for the tie, but Trine goalie Conkling would make some sizzling stops to keep the Cougars down a goal. Trine would extend their lead to 5-3 on a beauty play out front of the Cougars net half way through the period and then ice the contest adding another with 5 minutes to go making it a 3 goal lead. During the final minutes of the contest, Sault College would push back but not be able to capitalize dropping the opener 6-3.
Cougars scoring: Ryan Vendramin (2G), Kaelen O'Flynn (2A), Austin Rowe (1G, 1A), Max Khull (1A), Lucas Duckstein (1A), Tanner Mayne (1A).
GAME 2: SAULT COUGARS vs TRINE THUNDER
SAULT STE. MARIE – In the Saturday afternoon rematch it was Sault College opening the scoring 8 minutes in the first with Tanner Mayne striking on a play set up by Ryan Vendramin and Lucas Duckstein. Only 3 minutes later, Trine would strike back on a beauty tip past Cougar starter Justin Richer to tie things up. The period would see end to end play with Richer making some key stops to help send the Cougars to intermission in a 1-1 deadlock.
Sault College would come out hard in the second and regain the lead just 1 minute in as Austin Rowe would deposit a cross crease feed from Ryan Vendramin Behind the Trine goaltender. The Cougars would apply more pressure but the Trine goalie would hold it to a 1 goal deficit until the 11-minute mark where the Thunder would strike for 2 quick goals in 30 seconds and take a 3-2 lead. Again, 3 minutes later they would make it 4-2 on a quick tip in front of the Cougars goal. Sault College would push back for a few minutes but with 3 minutes left in the period, Trine makes it a 5-2 game with a beauty top shelf goal on a cross crease feed of their own. Cougar Bryceton Lalonde would answer back with a minute left in the period to send the Cougars to the room down 5-3 at intermission.
To start the 3rd period, the cougars would be forced to play short bench after losing multiple players to injury during the contest. Sault College would dig deep and compete hard pressing for the next goal. Trine goalie Conkling made several key saves holding the lead at 2 until 6 minutes left when Kaiden McDonald would bang home a bouncing puck in the crease to cut the Trine lead to 5-4. With Sault College buzzing around the Trine net and less than 90 seconds to play, the Cougars would pull goalie Richer for the extra attacker. Trine would eventually re gain possession, get the puck to half ice and pot an empty netter to seal the 6-4 win with a minute left.
Cougar scoring: Ryan Vendramin (3A), Kaiden McDonald (1G, 1A), Bryceton Lalonde (1G), Tanner Mayne (1G), Austin Rowe (1G), Max Khull (1A), Ryan Lawrence (1A), Lucas Duckstein (1A).
Up Next: The men's team faces the Oakland Golden Grizzlies for a 2-game series at the Rankin next Saturday October 26th @ 7:30pm and Sunday October 27th @ 12:30pm.
WOMEN'S HOCKEY
SAULT STE. MARIE – The Cougars faced off in the Early Bird Tournament this past weekend at the John Rhodes against other local Sault teams. The women lost their first game on Friday to Ontario Concrete with a score of 5-1. The Cougars played much better on Saturday with a close game against Palmer Paving but couldn't get the win and dropped a 2-1 decision. The Cougars ended the tournament with a loss to a strong Grand Gardens team. Bethany Tummillo was the standout this weekend with a solid performance in all 3 games.
Up Next: The women's team takes on the Davenport University Panthers on Saturday November 2nd.
MEN'S BASKETBALL
SAULT COUGARS vs CANADORE PANTHERS
NORTH BAY – On a tough weekend for most Cougars Teams Men's basketball was a welcomed bright spot, shining brightly in their thrilling 66-65 OT win against the Canadore Panthers in North Bay. This marks the first regular season win for the Cougars since February 6, 2016, a span of 60 regular season games.
Coach Murray was pleased with the way his team played for the majority of the game. "We locked in on defense in the first half and built up a big lead that we almost let slip away." The Cougars had a 38-13 lead at half and saw their 20-point lead evaporate over the final 2 quarters but came up with a couple key stops and timely shots to pull through in OT. Although it was a total team effort rookie Ramkel Wal came up large for the Cougars when they needed him most pouring in a game high 32 points in 38 minutes. On the defensive end Kevon Clarke collected 15 rebounds while playing a team high 41 minutes while adding 9 points of his own. Jaylyne Moore-Tucker also stepped up off the bench to clean up the glass with 9 rebounds.
It's certainly a good start for the Cougars but coach Murray says this is just the beginning. "Canadore is a very good team with some exceptional athletes, so coming out with a win on the road bodes well for our young roster. We still have lots to work on, but this sets the tone for the direction that our program is looking to go."
Up Next: The Men's team is back in action next weekend on the road in Sarnia for a 2 game series against the Lambton Lions on Saturday October 26th @ 4:00pm and Sunday October 27th @ 1:00pm.
WOMEN'S SOCCER
SAULT COUGARS vs HUMBER HAWKS
TORONTO – The Cougars knew they were in tough on Saturday playing the Humber Hawks (Nationally ranked 11th) in the crossover game. The Hawks proved to be too much for the Cougars in their first ever playoff game as they end their 2019-2020 season. Cougars now look forward to their indoor season and preparing for the 2020-2021 outdoor season.