Express 2024 09 25

UP AND DOWN WEEKEND FOR VKH COUGARS S P O R T S

EAP NEWSROOM nouvelles@eap.on.ca

The Vankleek Hill Cougars experienced a rollercoaster opening weekend for the Eastern Ontario Junior Hockey League (EOJHL) 2024-2025 season, showing promise in one game and struggling in the other. They opened their campaign with a commanding 5-0 victory over the St-Isidore Eagles. Sebastien Ouimet got the Cougars off to a fast start with a first-period goal, assisted by Jacob Crete and Mael Gendron. The Cougars built momentum in the second, with Crete, Andy Lightle-Blais, and Garrett Cunning all finding the net. Lightle-Blais scored his second goal of the night in the third, sealing the victory. A collective effort on offense, combined with a solid defensive showing, secured the shutout. However, the Cougars hit a rough patch the following night in a 4-0 loss to the Gatineau Hull-Volant. The Hull-Volant capitalized on two power-play opportunities in the second period, with goals from Zachari Gravel and Nathan Dagenais. In the third, Gatineau added two more, including another power- play goal by Julien Arruda. Despite some flashes of offensive potential, the Cougars were unable to break through Gatineau’s defense and were kept off the scoresheet. The mixed results leave the Cougars with a 1-1 record to start the season. While their offense shone in the first game, the

Les Cougars de Vankleek Hill ont connu des hauts et des bas lors de la première semaine de leur saison 2024-2025, gagnant un match 5-0 et perdant le 0-4. (Capture d’écran de la vidéo Facebook des Cougars)

power-play defense was exposed in the second, with Gatineau scoring twice on the man advantage. Goaltending and defensive organization were crucial in the victory over St-Isidore, but discipline and execution on

special teams will need improvement moving forward. Looking ahead, the Cougars are eager to get back on track. Their upcoming games include a matchup against the Clarence

Castors on September 22 and a face-off with the Morrisburg Lions on September 28. These early-season games will be crucial for the Cougars to find consistency and build momentum as the seasons carries on.

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