Vankleek Hill Cougars back for another season

The Vankleek Hill Cougars began training camp September 11 with just about 30 players and six goalies.

Some of last year’s local players will be returning, such as Sam McGillis, Riley Sauvé, Tyler Dopelhamer, Anthony Vassall, Sam Fournier and Jean-Luc Théorêt. However, there are a few that have moved on. “We lost some very important pieces this year as our captain Andrew Charlebois, our top scorer, Jonathan Arebo, our playoff top scorer, Jimmy Lenfesty and our heart and soul on defense, David Gravelle, all finished their junior careers,” said Marc Bernique, director and head coach of the Cougars. “We do have a good core of players coming back.”

McGillis is back for his fourth and last year with the Cougars. “This is the first tryout of the season with the team,” said McGillis. “It’s good, fast paced. Faster than I was expecting.” McGillis is currently attending Algonquin College in computer science.

Riley Sauvé is back for a third year while getting an electoral apprenticeship in Ottawa. “So far so good,” said Sauvé. “I don’t think I will play professionally. Maybe Junior B or back here next year.”

There will be approximately 10 local players on the team this season including some from Vankleek Hill, some from Hawkesbury, and some from Alexandria.

The tryout and cut process can be a bit grueling for some players. “We basically discuss what our needs are based on the returning players,” explained Bernique. “We try to recruit as many players as we can. During camp, we have inter-squad games and a few exhibition games. Myself, the coa-

Sam McGillis and Riley Sauvé are back this season to play with the Cougars.