Cougars hockey set to hit the ice
Both teams ready for pre-season action
Men’s and women’s hockey are set to take the ice this weekend in preparation for their U SPORTS campaigns. On the women’s side, Coach Hodges said that the team is going to be leaning on its crop of senior leaders, led by captain Jaycee Magwood, Jane Kish and Tamara McVannel.
“[I can] depend on them a little bit more to lead the way and to guide them rather than me handling everything. Just giving them the reigns a little bit more and let them do their thing.”
The women’s team will be travelling south of the border for preseason games in Minnesota, a trip that Hodges thinks will let athletes get to know each other before conference play starts.
“It will be a good challenge for us and it’s nice to play different teams. In Can West you often end up playing the same teams in preseason, so just a different look and different challenge, and a lot of time to get to know each other.”
According to Google Maps, a road trip to Bemidji, Minnesota lasts over nine hours. That’s a lot of the time for the team to bond.
For the men, longtime Cougar Tristan Frei said that the team has a new atmosphere in the locker room and that expectations have shifted for those hitting the ice.
“I think the guys that we brought in are eager individuals. I think they’ve all come from programs that have demanded winning and excellence and so far these last two weeks have just been really good. Practices have been up-tempo, guys are working hard, there’s a new attitude in the dressing room, which is great to see. So, I think we’re ready, I think we’re focused, and I think it’s going to be a really good refreshing year this year.”
Frei said that the key to a successful season will be a positive beginning.
“Every game is so important when you’re only playing a 28 game schedule, so getting off to a good start is one of our goals this year.”
The women’s hockey team finished 14-17-3 before losing to UBC in the quarterfinals. The men ended the season at 5-25-1. Important dates for both teams are below.
Key Pre-season Dates
9/7/2019 Cougars Alumni Regina, Sask. – The Co-operators Centre 7:00 pm (W)
9/14/2019 Minot State Regina, Sask. – The Co-operators Centre 7:00 pm (W)
9/15/2019 Minot State Regina, Sask. – The Co-operators Centre 11:45 am (W)
9/12/2019 Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Sask. 7:00 pm (M)
9/13/2019 Calgary Saskatoon, Sask. 7:00 pm (M)
Regular Season Home Openers
10/11/2019 Lethbridge Regina, Sask. – The Co-operators Centre 7:00 pm (W)
9/27/2019 * Calgary Regina, Sask. – The Co-operators Centre 7:00 pm (M)
Final Home Games
1/25/2020 * Manitoba Regina, Sask. – The Co-operators Centre 3:00 pm (W)
2/8/2020 * Saskatchewan Regina, Sask. – The Co-operators Centre 7:00 pm (M)
Playoffs
Canada West Quarterfinals
2/14-16/2020 * Canada West Quarterfinal (Location to be announced)
Canada West Semifinals
2/21-23/2020 * Canada West Semifinal (Location to be announced) Details
Canada West Final
2/28-3/1/2020 * Canada West Final (Location to be announced) Details
U Sports Championship
3/12-15/2020 U SPORTS Championship Charlottetown, PEI (W)
3/12-15/2020 U SPORTS Championship Wolfville, N.S. (M)
