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Carlyle U18 Cougars' season-opening win had special meaning

Team is paying tribute to a champion of youth hockey. And they used their season opener as a fundraiser.
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The Carlyle U18 Cougars are paying tribute to the late Wade Robertson this season.

CARLYLE - The U18 Carlyle Cougars hockey team held their season opener on Nov. 4 against the Redvers Rockets in Carlyle.

This game would be a special event. It was dedicated to Wade Robertson, who passed away on May 8 at the age of 47 due to a heart attack. The community has been saddened by his death.

Robertson was well known for his passion in the minor hockey association. He coached many teams, including the senior team, and was extremely involved in his community.

His wife Lisa and his four children – Julianna, Delan, Nate and Chase – attended the game in his honour as the crowd paid tribute to Robertson with a moment of silence.

In the U18 dressing room, a quote from Robertson hangs on the wall. “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.”

The home opener also supported the Juvenile Diabetes Research Association with the team’s 50/50 draw raising $830.

Wendy Greenhawk was the lucky winner for the other half of the 50/50 draw.

Tristan Dixon is a first-year goalie for the Cougars and he has Type 1 diabetes.

The large and enthusiastic crowd cheered on their Cougars to a 6-2 victory. Players sported a diabetic decal on their helmets, made and donated by Sherri Haddow from Southeast Apparel.

The weekend of games would not be over yet, as the Cougars travelled to Weyburn on Nov. 6 to battle the Weyburn Aldon Oilwings.

The Cougars came out on top with a 13-4 victory.

Karen Fischer, the manager of the U18 Carlyle Cougars, is incredibly pleased with the team’s opening games. They played hard and deserved the wins. Fischer has been involved with minor hockey for many years and loves the sport.

Fischer hopes to have a successful year with the U18 Carlyle Cougars.                                              

Twenty-two regular season games will be played, with home games on Friday or Saturday nights. Games start at 8 p.m. After the regular season, it is off to the playoffs and provincials.