In the past, the food drive was held during the Cougars’ home games, but this year the team opted for a public skating session with the players instead. After missing last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the turnout was impressive this year. More than 50 people of all ages showed up to skate with the Cougars, mingle with the team and take pictures with Santa Claus. Assistant coach and co-owner Carl Bougie was touched by the community’s response: “The Vankleek Hill community is deeply involved with everything the Cougars do. Honestly, I didn’t expect to see this many people here today, but this is beautiful to see.”
The event seemed to be very successful, as volunteers managed to fill up two large trashcans with non-perishable food items. Team Bougie said it would match the public’s contribution and Xplornet also pledged to make a $ 500 donation to the Vankleek Hill Food Bank.
Cougars vs Castors
Later that day, the Cougars faced off against one of the better teams in the NCJHL, the Clarence Castors. The Castors got off to a roaring start, scoring three back-to-back goals in the first period. Zachary Bigras scored the Cougars’ only goal in the second period, assisted by Alexander Perry. Vankleek Hill was unable to catch up with the home team, who managed to hold on to their lead in the third period to secure their seventh straight win.
The Cougars are playing for .500 this season and currently hold the fifth spot in the NCJHL general standings, tied with the St-Isidore Eagles 4 points behind the Gatineau Hull Volant and 8 points in front of the Morrisburg Lions.
The Cougars will try to hold on to their place in the standings as they face off against the Eagles in Vankleek Hill next Saturday.
