The Atom Cougars finished up the season with a busy February. On February 4th they played in Kipling(2). They played hard with goaltender Zane Winter having an outstanding game & stopping everything the entire first period. Kipling came on strong in the 2nd and took the lead. The Cougars stepped it up in the 3rd, with a goal by Coty Hofus, assisted by Hayden McArthur & another from Degan Galbraith, assisted by Krimson Standingready and Kenna Hagel. The brief blast from our offense just wasn't enough and we lost 2-6.
On February 7th, we travelled again to take on Kipling 1. The Cougars played well for the first period. Coty Hofos scored twice, with assists from both Nate Robertson & Madison Magotiaux. Going into the 2nd the score was 5-4 for Kipling. No one showed up for the 2nd & 3rd periods, and the Cougars were out-played 15-4.
February 8th found the Cougars in Wawota. Again, not sure what happened but it wasn't good. With no offense at all, we lost again.
The following weekend, on February 14th, Kipling 2 visited the Cougars. The defense played quite well, Zane stood on his head a few times and did a great job keeping the Cougars in the game. We had one goal from Drayden Arndt, assisted by Degan Galbraith & Ashdynn Bradley. However Kipling continued to dominate and the Cougars dropped this one 1-8.
On February 15th, Redvers 2 came to town. Again goaltender Zane Winter played hard and did his best to keep the team in it. At the end of the 1st the Cougars were down 4. Again Drayden Arndt got some offense started with Kenna Hagel assisting. Zane blocked everything in the second but with no more offensive action, the Cougars again went down 1-8.
On February 16th Redvers 1 visited for a make-up game. This was another disappointing showing with no offense and a loss of 14-0.
February 23rd the Cougars travelled to take on the Beinfait Miners. The Cougars came out very strong and played one of their best games of the year. This was another great game for goaltender Zane Winter. Drayden Arndt led the offense with two goals, one assisted by Madison Magotiaux. Hayden McArthur put one by the Miners goalie after being setup by Coty Hofos & Nolan Pelletier. Degan Galbraith also got involved in the action with an unassisted goal. Everyone played hard and had fun, but in the end the Miners prevailed 6-4.
The Cougars final game was February 26th vs the Miners on home ice. Everyone was optimistic after the previously close game & the kids were pumped. Hayden McArthur let loose a bullet in the first that found the back of the net, but the Miners came on stronger, scoring 5 goals. In the 2nd Logan Romaniuk led the offense on a pass from Kaysha Turner. Then Caydence Chapman scored on an assist by Hayden McArthur. The defense did a great job and kept the Miners to one goal in the 2nd. The Cougars Kenna Hagel tried to keep the offense going with a beautiful goal in the 3rd, assisted by defencemen Hayden McArthur & Taryn Cappo. Unfortunately it wasn't enough and the Cougars went down 4-10.
While the scoreboard didn't often reflect the talent and hard work of this Atom team, the kids had a great year. They learned plenty from their coaches & greatly improved their hockey skills from the start of the year. On behalf of all the players and parents, a BIG HUGE THANK-YOU to coaches Brian Hagel, Todd Magotiaux & Troy Turner, as well as other dads like Jason Pelletier & Lee Winter who helped with the goalies. The kids and parents appreciate the effort & dedication that went into this season!
