As with any team the Cougars had stretches where they were affected by injury and COVID. Couple that with poor driving conditions and it meant a lot of lost practices.
The last game of the season against the Winnipeg Wild was important for the Cougars. A win would have given them 5th place, however they lost and finished in 8th position.
In playoff action the Cougars lost three games to Brandon who lost in the finals to the Winnipeg Wild. Leading up to the Telus Cup the Cougars played two exhibition games against Kenora and practiced three to four times a week.
Four teams competed in the tournament including the Notre Dame Hounds, Winnipeg Wild, Thunder Bay Kings and the host Southwest Cougars.
“We knew game one versus Thunder Bay was a big one and we got out to an early 3-0 lead. Thunder Bay came back and won in overtime. We got one point in that game, which would turn out to be important for us at the end of round robin play,” said Leslie.
Game two against Notre Dame was an eye opener for the Cougars. The hosts had difficulty competing in the first half of the game, trailing 3-0 after two periods.
Leslie was really proud of the team’s effort in the third period and felt the players that game knowing they could compete against them.
“It was a 3-0 loss but our goaltending was great and our penalty kill was exceptional,” added Leslie.
The Cougars posted a 3-0 win over the Winnipeg Wild in Game 3.
“It was easily our most complete effort of the year. Again, our goaltending was very good and our guys were motivated knowing that if we played well defensively, we had a chance.”
Leslie said the coaching staff had a real good feeling throughout the tournament and were very excited on Saturday knowing if they won in regulation they would be in the final.
“The championship game against Notre Dame was one of the most special games I have ever been involved in and I have been in quite a few. We were completely outclassed in the first period and our guys really needed to understand that we owed ourselves and our fans a better effort, and that as players we get very few of these opportunities in our playing careers.”
The Cougars had a better effort in the second and scoring at the six second mark gave them a lift heading to the third period.
“I was so proud of our group in the third period, we battled for every second and inch of ice and even though we were allowing a lot of shots we were defending hard and Owen kept making saves. We were rewarded for our effort and were able to tie the game with about three minutes to go. Losing the game with 18 seconds left on a broken face off was heart breaking but it does not change the fact that this game was an absolute classic and one that I will always remember.”
Leslie added that he could not stress enough his happiness and pride in the team. Though his wish was to have taken them to a national championship he said the journey was a good one and the experience will serve the team and players well moving forward.
The team and staff are all taking some well-needed rest and then will start talking about next season.
“We are losing two players to graduation and will likely lose some to Junior teams. We are returning many players for next year and will have a solid core of experienced guys,” concluded Leslie.

by JUDY WELLS, Recorder staff