The Cougars managed to hold off the Wolves and remain the only unbeaten team in the league. Unfortunately, they didn’t do it in a pretty fashion.
Last Thursday the Cougars had a slow start against the Predators, but eventually found their rhythm on route to a thumping. Today, the Cougars had a slow start, slow first period, slow second period, and a slightly less slow third. It was not a good game from a Coaching point of view, or a fans point of view either. Lucky for the Cougars though, Westshore was in the same boat. Both teams did not have a great game. But the Cougars net-minder, Jonah Chambers and his counterpart Benjamin Edwards both played well. If it wasn’t for them this game could have been a complete mess. Endless broken plays, missed passes, missed checks, and miscommunication led to what Tom Arlidge said looked like “Shinny” and not hockey. And yes, thats with two N’s and not that other letter.
Ty Brant was a standout for the Cougars. He landed 10 hits and being the lone skater for Victoria that Head Coach Brody Coulter said “Played a full 60 minutes”. He took home player of the game for the Cougars. Mark Castilla notched is first goal in the VI and the claimed the game winning goal. Pang, Brant and Esposito grabbed the other Cougars goals. Jack Westhaver had the lone Wolves goal and also took home player of the game for his team.
Victoria travels to the Valley to take on the Port Alberni Bombers for the first time this year on Tuesday. Then they are back home Thursday for Truth and Reconciliation Day. Elder Elmer George from the Songhees First Nation is a guest speaker and will join me and Tom in the booth in the 1st intermission.