The Carman Cougars boys’ hockey team has completed their season with a bronze medal win at the Manitoba High School Athletics Association provincials (A/AA) in Boissevain from Feb. 22-24.
“I think overall, as a coaching staff, we were all proud of the progress we saw both individually and as a team,” said Cougars’ head coach, Michael Heatherington. “Even though we obviously would have liked to go further in playoffs, there was still a lot of positives to take from the season.”
The Cougars’ hopes for advancing in the Zone 4 playoffs were dashed when they were defeated by the Pembina Tigers in a best-of-three series. The teams battled fiercely, with each winning one game, but it was Pembina who ultimately emerged victorious on Feb. 17 with a 3-2 win in the deciding game.
“I think the only real difference maker in Game 3 of playoffs was a combination of nerves and excitement to start the game,” said Heatherington. “It was a huge game for us, so it was only natural to feel nervous and excited. Unfortunately, it resulted in Pembina getting two quick ones on us. After that, I think we settled in well and controlled much of the game from that point on. Overall, it was a really exciting game to be a part of, even though we didn’t get the result we wanted. As I said before, we were very proud of the way they battled back in that game.”
Despite losing out in the first round of the Zone 4 playoffs, the Cougars also found their way into the MHSAA Provincials (A/AA) in Boissevain through the back door as a wildcard entry. Carman made it to the playoffs after the round robin before losing a 2-1 heartbreaker overtime game to the Killarney/Wawanesa Raiders in the provincial semi-finals.
Carman won the bronze medal game on Feb. 24 over the Major Pratt (Russell) Trojans by a 9-3 score, led by a Josh Hiebert hat trick. Other Carman goals were scored by Zac Pritchard (2), Grant Friesen, Brayden Porier, Ethan Wilde and Kolton Worms.
After this school year, the Cougars will lose eight Grade 12s, so there will be some turnover with the team’s roster. That being said, the Cougars had six Grade 10s this year, with all of them making a ton of progress this year, and all will be a year older and stronger next season.
“You never know who all is coming up from the younger years, but hopefully, we can fill some spots and continue towards an even more successful season next year. For the players graduating, thank you for the hard work that you put in for the two or three seasons that you played for the Cougars. It’s bittersweet knowing they won’t be returning to the team next year, but we wish them all the best in their futures and hope they can stick with hockey down the road in some way, shape, or form.”
