The Cariboo cougars are this year’s winners of the Mac Triple A World Invitational tournament.
The cougars beat the Regina Pat Canadian’s in double overtime on New Year’s Day in Calgary to win the prestigious tournament that features 25 teams from across North America and Europe.
In the journey to the final the Cougars beat the German U-17 nationals and edged out the Calgary Buffalos in overtime. Coach Bryan Maclean says it was a long week;
“We are pretty excited about winning the whole thing. It was certainly a grind; seven games in seven days and at one point two in one day. For us it was a bit mentally exhausting as a coaching staff and physically exhausting as a team, but the boys are feeling pretty good about it now and I think it will sink in over the next week or so.”
The Cougars were helped in the final by a terrific performance from their goaltender, Griffen Outhouse. Coach Maclean was thrilled with his play all week;
“He played all three playoff games and was just amazing for us. Last night (the final) was 40 saves on 41 shots. He kept us in there at times where things were going to fall apart.”
In another stand out performance, Cariboo cougar Conner MacEachern was awarded top defenseman of the tournament.
The cougars are now looking forward to this year’s playoffs and the Telus Cup. They sit on top of the BC standings; their next game is January 10th at home against the NE Chiefs.
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