Cougar's Mens Hockey Season Comes to a Close

The Sault College Men’s Hockey Team traveled to Grand Rapids for the ACHA DII Central Regional playoffs, competing for a spot at nationals. The Cougars entered tournament play as the #8 seed and opened the single elimination weekend against #13 Drury University. Michael Chaffay broke open the scoring early in the first period to give the Cougars an early 1-0 lead. The Cougars would continue to put constant pressure on the Drury defense throughout the opening period but could not beat Joshua Robins for the insurance marker. A penalty late in the first period gave Drury a powerplay with 12 seconds remaining, and they would only need 6 as they scored the equalizer before the buzzer went. Drury would carry the momentum over into the second period scoring a pair of goals int eh opening 6 minutes of play to give the Panthers a 3-1 lead. Sault College would battle hard as Ethan Esposito scored on a shot from the left circle, cutting the deficit to 3-2.

The Panthers would get that goal back early in the third period to restore their 2-goal lead. Cole Crowder would take it upon himself on an end-to-end rush, deking through defenders before beating the Drury goaltender on the backhand to trim the Panthers lead once again to 4-3. This would be as close as the Cougars would get as Drury would add the insurance marker in the final minutes of the third, defeating the Sault College Cougars 5-3. This would mark the end of the Cougars 2023-24 season. The Cougars finished their season with an overall record of 22-6 and a +103-goal differential. Sault College forward Ethan Esposito was named to the All-Central First Team All-Americans. Esposito recorded 41 goals & 24 assists in only 27 games. Congratulations on a great season Cougars!