“They went with a mission and I applaud their determination. We hit so hard in that tournament and there was some amazing plays made.”
He added this is the first Queens County Minor Hockey Association team in 14 years to bring home the provincial banner.
At the start of the season, he said he didn’t expect the large team of 23 would make the provincials, as they did last year, but the players listened well and worked hard throughout the year.
“Each and every one of them sacrificed something for the team of which we as a coaching staff were well aware and appreciative of.”
The Cougars, which won the Western Zone Regional championships showed their determination from the first game against Trenton.
“We were down two going into the second period but came back to win 4-3. It was an exciting game.”
The second game against the host team Westville (near New Glasgow) was another example of what the hard-hitting team could do, McAllen said.
“We were never behind but it was a tight game with good goaltending on both sides and outstanding hitting by all the players.”
The final score was 4-2.
The Cougars vastly outplayed Port Hood during the next game but was stymied by incredible goaltending, McAllen said.
“We outshot them 22-8. Their goaltender played exceptionally well. We were, again down two but came back with their goaltender keeping them in the game.”
The teams tied 2-2, which was enough, with the Queens County Cougar’s point total and win against Westville to get them to the finals.
However, they had one game left. They lost to Bridgetown by a 6-2 score.
“It wasn’t relevant and it was a chance to play all the kids,” the coach said.
He added all players on the team were iced on a regular basis during the regular season but changes were made during the provincial playoffs.
On Sunday, they again tackled the host team during the provincial championship game.
“It was a very good hockey game with tight checking. We went up 2-0 and carried a lot of the play.”
He added Robert Stewart scored both goals, including a short-handed effort to help the squad win the championship 2-1.
“They came back hard in the third to make it 2-1 and an interesting finish. Strong goaltending on our side from both goaltenders helped preserve the win.
The most valuable players, in order of games played are Jeff Murray, Isaac Norman, Jason Wolfe, and Ryan McAllen.
Murray was voted to the All Star team as one of the top defensemen in the league.
McAllen said, “This is really something for a team coming out of a town where the population isn’t too large. I’m really happy the kids have this memory.”
Cougars show heart with provincial win
Cougars show heart with provincial win
By Mark Roberts THE ADVANCE NovaNewsNow.com Every player on the Queens County Cougars is responsible for capturing the Provincial Bantam "B" Hockey Championship March 9-11 in Westville, says Head Coach Randy McAllen.
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