Anyone trying out for the Cougar's Women hockey team knew that there would be no guarantee of a spot this year, not even for players that were on last years club team.
During the !st week of October about 30 women traded in their shorts and sandals for a pair of skates and a hockey stick. It was their goal to be a part of the inaugural Cougars' Women hockey team. Serious competition was provided to members of the club team from last year.
On October 5th the inaugural Cougar Women's hockey player roster was announced. Nine players are returning from last years Senior A Provincial Champion and Western Canadian Shield Bronze Medallist team.
The Canada West University Athletic Athletic Association (CWUAA) women's hockey season is different than that of their male counterparts. Instead of home and away weekend series, the women will play a tournament style. Their record in these tournaments will determine their CWUAA ranking. It will also determine their seeding for the Canada West Championships which will be held at the University of Alberta this year. The Cougars will supplement their schedule by playing exhibition games against other Universities.
Their 1st test began last Friday, when they travelled to Birtle, Manitoba to take on the University of Manitoba Bisons.
The 1st ever Cougars' goal was scored on their 1st shift by Brandy West. It was set up by Anne Marie Brown and Nicole Sarahs. Brandy West added another and Tanya Hutcheon finished the scoring. Game one was a 6-3 victory for the Bisons'.
The highlight of the weekend and perhaps the best hockey the Cougars played occurred in the last five minutes of game two. The Bisons were winning 7-0 at the time and the Cougs' responded with four quick ones. Bree Haider led the way with two goals and an assist while Brandy West and Tanya Hutcheons added singles.
The Cougars' very first home game is this weekend. The game is Saturday 1 pm at the Sherwood Twin Arenas versus the University of Saskatchewan Huskies.
