Cougars look to build on last year’s success
The Mount Royal Cougars men’s hockey program took a huge leap forward last season, making the playoffs for the first time in school history. They pushed the Manitoba Bisons to the edge last season losing a heartbreaking series 2-1 on the road in Winnipeg. This season, the goal is the same, get into the playoffs and make some noise.
The Cougars had flashes of brilliance, knocking off both Alberta and Calgary who were ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the nation, respectively. However, issues with consistency plagued the squad, which had trouble stringing wins together, especially at home.
Enter new head coach Bert Gilling. The longtime NCAA assistant coach from Bemidji State is set to take the Cougars program to the next level. The energy and enthusiasm Coach Gilling has brought to the program seems infectious with players and supporters alike. Crowds for pre-season games already reflect a culture shift.
The players are wholeheartedly embracing the new regime and have the pride and confidence of an elite level program. The Cougars will welcome back forwards Tyler Fiddler, Cody Cartier and Matt Brown, who were instrumental in last year’s playoff run. Puck moving defenceman Scott McKay will shoulder some of the offensive from the blue line.
The team will be without top scorer Devin Gannon, who decided to go pro at the end of last season. The Cougars graduated the core of their leadership as Captain Kevin Knopp and 2012-13 leading scorer Eric Galbraith said goodbye after five seasons. Also departing were longtime staples on defence Curtis Beech and Jesse Tresierra.
Mount Royal’s recruiting class saw them strengthen the back end with editions of Mackenzie Johnston and Grant Baker. Johnston played five seasons in the WHL with Kelowna, Prince Albert and Saskatoon, and will likely log serious minutes on the back end this season. Up front, the Cougars landed a pair of players from the Maritime Hockey League in David Stephens and Zach Henry. They also picked up some size and experience in former Calgary Hitmen tough guy Rob Trzonkowski.