        The Carlyle Cougars were back in action for 2017 having played on Friday, Jan. 6. The team headed down to Midale where they lost 2-3 in a tough fought battle.
               Midale came out to an early lead with a goal in the first period by Logan Martinson, he was assisted by Rylan Kolke and Matt Geske. The second period saw Midale capitalize on a power play with Josh Gustufson finding the net, assisted by Brad Tomiski and Tyler Hoium.
               With momentum in their favour, Midale came out with a goal in under a minute of play in the third period with Rylan Kolke scoring, assisted by Tyler Hoium and Garrett Sherlock.
               The Cougars rallied in the third and put pressure on Midale though with Carlyle’s captain, Ben Johnstone, earning an unassisted goal; then a second goal this time assisted by Brett Turgeon and Brent McLean.
               The Carlyle Cougars then made their way down to Carnduff on Saturday, Jan. 7, where they took on the Red Devils.
               Carnduff led the game early with a goal by Shawn Gallant assisted by Callan Carlton. Both teams would continue to battle in the second, each scoring two goals: Carnduff’s goals were earned by Trevor Geiger who was assisted by Shawn Gallant and Landon Senchuk in the first and by Blake McMillen in the second. Carlyle’s goals were earned by Jesse Matthewson assisted by Brent McLean and the second was by Ty Currie assisted by Ben Johnstone.
               Heading into the third, Carnduff’s Trevor Geiger capitalized on an opportunity, which earned him a hat trick. Battling for position the Cougars put in the effort, but were unable to claw back with the game ending 4-2 for Carnduff.
               Game information for Tuesday’s, Jan. 10, game will be available next week as the action occurred following The Observer’s deadline. But, head to the rink on Friday, Jan. 13, when Carlyle will host the Oxbow Huskies at 8 p.m.
               Across the Big Six teams are jostling for position as they get closer to the playoff rounds. Currently (as of Monday, Jan. 9) in the East Division: Carnduff sits with 19 points, Wawota is closing the gap with 17 points, while Redvers is right on their heels with 16 points, and Oxbow has 11 points. In the West Division: Bienfait remains on top with 19 points, while Yellow Grass is growing their points with 17, Midale trails with 9 points, and Carlyle is sitting with 4 points.
               Playoffs this year will see Quarterfinals played in a best of five between the first in the East versus fourth in the West, first in West versus fourth in East, second in East versus third in West, and second in West versus third in East. Semifinals will also be best of five with the highest remaining seed versus the lowest remaining seed and second highest remaining seed versus third highest remaining seed – Semifinal seeding will be done according to overall points, regardless of Divisional Standings.
               League leaders as of Monday, Jan. 9, were Brent Struble (Wawota) with 30 points, Justin Lamontagne (Wawota) with 28 points, Riley Riddell (Wawota) with 24 points, Jordon Miller (Redvers) with 18 points, Matt Audette (Carnduff), Dustin Chartrand (Yellow Grass), Payden Benning (Bienfait), and Dylan Herzberg (Bienfait) are all tied with 16 points.
               Top goalies in the league include Scott Knelsen (Wawota) with a Goals Allowed Average (GAA) of 2.54, Thomas Bauche (Redvers) with a 2.78 GAA, Cody Dumaine (Carnduff) with a 2.82 GAA, and Jackson Walliser (Bienfait) with a 3.07 GAA.
