Friendly rivalry
Teammates finish one-two in league scoring
Although the season didn’t end with a provincial championship for the Joneljim Cougars, players Sonny Kabatay, 15, and Nathan MacMillan, 15, have nothing to complain about.
Kabatay led the Nova Scotia Major Bantam Hockey League with 60 points in 30 games with his teammate MacMillan clocking in at second place with 51 points in 33 games.
Kabatay was proud of how both players performed throughout the season.
“It was great. It was a lot of hard work and dedication,” said the Donkin resident.
MacMillan, also from Donkin, thought the same by adding the season didn’t end the way they’d hoped but they still had a good time throughout the season.
The two boys have been playing with each other since second year atom and enjoy being on the same line with each other.
Throughout their playing
careers they have travelled together and have been able to create a friendship that goes well beyond just playing hockey together.
“I love playing with him,” said Kabatay. ‘We were able to make plays and get points for our team the whole year.”
After playing at an extremely high skill level in the NSMBHL, both boys have their minds set on the upcoming major midget tryouts coming up in the spring.
Both boys have made it clear they’re ready to work hard to improve their game to make an impact next year.
“I have a good shot and can skate well but this league is a lot faster paced so I’m going to have to work on my defence to make sure I can keep up,” said MacMillan.
Kabatay is also looking to improve his overall game.
“I always had my mind on improving throughout the season and I’ll definitely be going to the fitness studio to be ready for next season,” he said.
Improvement has never been a problem for either of them.
Kabatay saw his point’s total jump from 27 points in his first season to 60. MacMillan saw his go from 17 to 50.
The potential for both players seems endless.
“I have a good shot and can skate well but this league is a lot faster paced so I’m going to have to work on my defence to make sure I can keep up”
Nathan MacMillan