Every team strives to win but only an elite few achieve the ultimate goal. The Cariboo Cougars have first-hand knowledge of what is required to be successful.
Just because the Cougars won the prestigious Mac’s AAA international hockey tournament in Calgary doesn’t mean they are headed for the Telus Cup national championship, but it certainly improves their chances.
Let’s put the victory at the Mac’s in perspective. No league points were awarded, no league championship was issued and no league trophies were given; nevertheless, winning a 25-team tournament, one that started in 1978, an event that features many of the best teams in Western Canada and abroad, is a monumental psychological boost. Yes, having a mental edge is often a deciding factor when titles are on the line.
Super Boss Trevor Sprague can rant and rave all he wants about how his Cougars team goal is to win the Telus Cup. In past years, despite strong teams, that kind of smoke from Sprague would go in one ear and just as quickly go out the other. Winning the Mac’s though is a game changer.
I am a big believer that with rare exceptions teams need to face adversity, withstand the storm and have a moment where it clicks together. In other words, winning isn’t learned in a classroom or from a speech or from being the best poker player on your block.
The Cougars are the top BCMML team with a 22-3-1 record. They have scored the most goals, given up the least and have excelled despite having the most penalty minutes. During a 13 game win streak from November 1st to December 20th, they outscored the opposition 79-11, allowing one goal or less in each of those contests. That’s an example of how they have cruised through the first 2/3 of their regular season. Those stats are impressive, but in reality, it tells one nothing when the chips are down.
The road to victory at the Mac’s changed the identity of a talented team which loves to win blowouts to a group that is learning the process of how to win when the pressure is on. The Cougars won their opener 6-3 over Lethbridge, then lost 4-2 to the Calgary Northstars. This meant Cariboo needed to win its final two round robin games to make the playoffs and they delivered in the clutch; 3-1 over Battleford, Saskatchewan and 5-3 over Markham, Ontario. As the scores attest, no easy games and competition would be elevated in the sudden death playoffs.
In the quarter-finals; Cariboo was the underdog against the German U17 Nationals, a team that went 4-0 in the round robin, outscoring the opposition 22-4. The Cats (with Griffen Outhouse shining in net) won 5-1 despite being outshot 31-26.
In the semis; Cariboo was an underdog again against the hometown Calgary Buffaloes. Calgary was 5-0 overall outscoring the opponent 30-8. The Cougars led 4-2 late before the Buffaloes scored at 16:31 and again at 19:34 of the 3rd, yet the Cats won 5-4 in overtime on Justin Almeida’s winner. (Remember how a team needs to overcome adversity). Outhouse was the better goalie as Calgary outshot Cariboo 37-29.
Now the final and the big stage against the Regina Pat Canadians, televised in Western Canada on Shaw TV. The game was tied 1-1 after regulation. Regina got a power play in overtime but Cariboo killed it off. On to double overtime where Chase Dubois scored to give the Cougars a mass celebration of being number one. Outhouse again was terrific with 41 saves as the shots were 42-28.
Cariboo won the BCMML title in 2008 but never made the Telus Cup because of a loss to the Calgary Buffaloes in the BC/Alberta playoffs. The Cougars were 2nd in four straight regular seasons from 2009-10 to 2012-13 prior to an off year in 2013-14 where they finished 6th.
They know the feeling of being a bridesmaid. The Cougars will likely finish first in 2015 and will be heavily favored to reach the playoff final. If they meet the Vancouver NW Giants in the championship, it could be a slobber-knocker. The Giants had a strong showing at the Mac’s, as they blanked the Calgary Northstars 4-0 in the quarters before losing the semi-final to Regina 3-2 in double overtime.
No one can take away the thrill the Cats enjoyed in Calgary, however, to achieve Sprague’s desired satisfaction of being a national champion, it will take even more dedication, perseverance, commitment and tenacity. Yes, those intangibles are key catch phrases, but the Cougars now know the euphoria of winning for which there is no substitute.
From the Quote Rack:
TMZ reports that Johnny Manziel flipped off hecklers at a Houston club, and they responded by throwing drinks at him. Then the Cleveland rookie QB presumably tried to throw a drink back… but it was intercepted.
Former Giants’ pitcher Stu Miller has died at the age of 87. There will be no pallbearers at his funeral, instead, his casket will just be placed on a mound and blown into the grave.
Contributor Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com
A swarm of earthquakes, the largest being measured at 3.6, have hit the Dallas area in recent days. Geologists say it’s one of two things—shifting earth plates or Gov. Chris Christie jumping on the Cowboys’ bandwagon.
There were no injuries in a fire at Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera’s house, a blaze that started in the chimney. Meanwhile, officials at the North Pole are especially grateful and relieved that this didn’t happen two weeks earlier.
Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California
The Toronto Maple Leafs fired their coach Randy Carlyle on Monday and proceeded to lose 6-2 to Washington Wednesday. This proves that the team’s woes are not entirely Carlyle’s fault. Had he been behind the bench, they likely would have lost 7-2.
A time capsule was opened in Boston from 1795. Among the articles inside were some petrified baked beans, a bloodied sock once worn by Paul Revere and a loud “minuteman” jacket once belonging to Don Cherry.
Comedy writer TC Chong of Vancouver (http://alwaysfunny.com/)
And in case you missed it:
About a dozen residents in North Battleford spotted coyotes prowling the streets. That’s about twice the number of people in Phoenix who saw the last Coyotes game.
Comedy writer RJ Currie www.Sportsdeke.com
Hartley Miller is the sports director and morning news anchor for 94.3 the Goat. His column appears Fridays on hqprincegeorge.com. Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to [email protected]
Follow him on twitter: @Hartley_Miller