Cougars Dominate on Seniors Night
The Cougars hosted the Central Michigan University Chippewas in their Senior’s Night game on Friday Night. After a ceremony honouring the graduating seniors: Branden Kipling, Kaylan Campbell, Joey Bernier, Chase Johnson, Adrian O’Dell, Ethan Biggs, Russell Oldham, Ethan Novello, Ethan Esposito, Jackson Jacques and Caleb Wood, the game got underway and the Cougars Seniors wasted no time as Chase Johnson scored at the 0:52 second mark assisted by Jacques and Biggs. Kyle Finateri would add the second goal of the game three minutes later assisted by Jacques and Dylan Winsor. Caleb Wood would add to the lead off the ensuing faceoff and the flood gates would open for the Cougars as they would enter the first intermission up by a score of 6-0.
Central Michigan tightened up defensively in the second period, but with eight minutes remaining in the period, Cameron Lemcke notched his 13th of the season assisted by Brock Santa Maria and Jackson Jacques. Michael Starzomski added another less than a minute later, and the Cougars would eventually take a 10-0 lead into the third period. The third period saw the Cougars up the tempo again as they outscored the CMU by a score of 10-1 in the final frame, closing out their final regular season game by a score of 20-1. Ethan Esposito would lead the Cougars offensively with 5 goals and 1 assist. Chase Johnson would also have six points on the night (3G, 3A). Russell Oldham (2G, 3A) and Brock Santa Maria (0G, 5A) would each pick up five points in the victory. Goaltender Joey Bernier would get his first career start, making 11 saves in the win.
The Cougars will now prepare for their regional playoffs February 21st – 23rd as they vie for a spot at Nationals!