Fall primer

author: konstantin kharitonov | sports editor

Meow / Pixabay

Women’s soccer begins year 1-1

Now that we are all finally in classes once again, and the everlasting dread of a new school year creeps in, let’s look back at the summer, when your life had meaning and purpose, and catch up on any Cougars news that you may have missed. 

Basketball 

Not much has happened over the summer for the men’s basketball team in terms of real news, but a bunch of players played their final game for the Cougars this year. Gone from the team are Brandon Tull (who recently signed a contract to play in Spain), Brian Ofori and Alex Igual as all have finished their 5th year and have graduated. Alumnus Jamal Williams, who is 10th in UofR history in points scored, re-signed with his professional team, the Newcastle Eagles in the British Basketball League.  

On the women’s side, there was some significant roster turnover as the team lost Charlotte Kot, Sara Hubenig and Caitlin Zacharias to graduation. In response, the team recruited Macaela Crone, Emily Dewey and Madeline Tell to replace the players they had lost. The team heads out to the University of Ottawa on September 28  to face off in a preseason tournament against the U of O and the University of Laval.  

Hockey 

The two hockey teams are also filled up their news with their announcement of new recruits getting ready for the 2018-19 season. Since the men’s team did not get close to making the playoffs and the women’s team getting swept in two games against the University of Alberta, there hasn’t been too much news coming in the off season.  

The new recruits coming in for the women’s team are Jenna Merk, Katie Crowther, Emily Middagh, Camryn Clyne, Sidney Shyiak and Adela Juzkova. Quite a haul for a team who only lost two players due to graduation, Kylee Kupper and Bailey Braden.  Juzkova is an import hailing from the Czech Republic after playing for HC Slavia Praha. Merk is a local, finishing up her pre-university career with the Regina Rebels. Clyne is a recruit from the Westman Wildcats from Manitoba. Shyiak is also a Manitoba girl, who last played for the Balmoral Hall Blazers in the JWHL. Middagh transfers from the St. Lawrence University, who also was a Hall Blazer before heading off to school. Finally, Crowther, a goaltender, hails from out west as she completed two seasons with the Calgary Fire. An impressive haul indeed.  

As for the men’s side, the team added three WHL recruits in Conner Chaulk, James Hilsendager and James Riddle These additions were highlighted in our article about them.  

Volleyball/Swimming/Track and Field 

All these teams have had a very quiet summer, as their recruits have not been announced as of yet. 

Soccer 

The soccer team is the first Cougars team to have their season underway and have played their first two regular-season games. Read all about it in our feature about them.  

So, faithful reader, you have not missed much being gone away all summer. Alas, it was a truly quiet summer and, as such, means the regular season will showcase all the actual drama. Now, get ready for some quality men’s volleyball, as well as men’s and women’s wrestling! Oh, wait.