Carlyle's two Novice Cougar hockey teams faced off against each other in the final game of the the 2015 edition of the Carlyle Cougars Novice Hockey Tournament Feb. 7-8 at the Carlyle Sports Arena, with the Cougars Novice Kirk team taking home the trophy with a 5-2 win over the “B” side victors, the Cougars Novice Wade team. Winners of the “C” and “D” sides were teams from Estevan and Carnduff, respectively.
In addition to the two local teams made up of seven- and eight-year-old players, the tournament played host to the Carnduff Junior Red Devils, the Estevan Canadiens, the Estevan Flames, the Oxbow Huskies, the Regina Rockets, and the Whitewood Elks.
The fast-paced final game between the two Carlyle teams opened with a goal by Kale Arndt, with an assist by Mason Barta, for the Novice Kirk team. The first point for the Novice Wade team was a goal by Blake Robertson, with an assist by Nolan Riddell. With a second-period goal by Ty Fehrenbach and one by Jackson Humphries-assisted by Kale Arndt- the Novice Kirk team edged ahead. Third period scorers for the Novice Kirk team were Ty Fehrenbach with an assist from Samantha Colpitts, and a goal from Mason Barta. The final point for the second-place Novice Wade team was an unassisted goal by Chase Robertson.
Winners of the two Digger Awards were Ty Fehrenbach of the Novice Kirk team and Kaden Piper of the Novice Wade team. The award is given to one player from each of the two teams who reach the final, and are chosen by the coaches of the opposing team. The award recognizes effort and hard work on the ice.
Both Carlyle teams also want to recognize the off-ice contributions that made the Novice tournament a success this year.
“The tournament organizers did an excellent job,” says coach Wade Robertson. “So did all of the volunteers that worked hard to make our tournament a success. Because of the hard work and how well- organized everything is by everyone who helps out is really what makes teams want to come to our tournaments every year.”
“I'd also like to give a big thanks to our young refs,” adds Robertson. “And hats off to our caretaker Brent Stillwell for keeping the ice in great shape throughout the weekend, mentoring our young refs and speed-driving the zamboni to keep our tournament on schedule.”
“Thanks to the other teams, fans, parents and grandparents that came out to support our tournament.”
Coach Kirk Himmelspach agrees. “Both of the teams and the coaches would like to thank the organizing committee, the many volunteers, the parents, and everyone who came out to watch. It takes a lot of time and effort to organize a tournament like his, and both teams would like them all to know that we all appreciate it.”
