In the midget Tier 1 division, the Coast Inn of the North Cougars are one of the hottest teams in B.C. right now.
The Cougars have skated to gold in three consecutive tournaments. They clinched their latest victory Sunday in Vernon when they beat Okanagan Hockey Academy 3-2 in the final of an eight-team event.
The previous weekend, the 15- to 17-year-old Cougars were victorious in Kelowna. And, prior to that, they claimed a tournament title in Kamloops.
"I think the biggest thing is our work ethic," said Coast Inn head coach Ron Powar. "I tell the boys that we have to put on our work boots every time we come to the rink, whether it be a practice or a game. And they have to work 60 minutes in a game -- all the way through whether we're winning or losing. If we're losing, they work even harder. They're a pretty resilient bunch."
In Sunday's game, Coast Inn and OHA were tied 2-2 after two periods. In the third, while the Cougars were on a power play, Gabe Mason scored the winner. Other Coast Inn markers came off the sticks of Darren Hards -- who notched an equalizer in the second period -- and Justin Schwing. Meanwhile, Riley Druskin provided the Cougars with winning goaltending.
In the playoff semifinals, the Cats handed the North Shore Winter Club -- a traditional powerhouse -- a 4-1 loss.
The Cougars opened the tournament with a 3-2 decision against OHA, beat the Vancouver Thunderbirds 5-1 and dumped Juan de Fuca of Victoria 7-4. In that game, the Cats fell behind 4-1 but fought back with six unanswered goals. A well-rounded attack was the key, as Coast Inn had seven different goal-scorers -- Thane Anderson, Austin Gray, Darren Hards, Justin Hards, Treavor Gagne, Mason and Brayden Dale.
Over the course of the weekend, the line of Darren Hards, Schwing and Gagne was dominant. The trio combined for nine goals and 21 points.
Powar said the unit is anchored by Schwing.
"He's been on this team for three years and he kind of keeps the young guys level," Powar said. "They don't get out of position and they play our systems well. And Darren's just naturally-talented. You give him the puck and he'll put it in the net. And Treavor's speed on that line is incredible. The kid can skate."
The Cougars will take a well-deserved rest this weekend. If they keep the streak going by winning their next tournament they'll be one happy bunch, because their next event is their own -- the Geotech Drilling Coast Inn of the North midget Tier 1 tournament, Nov. 22-24 at the Kin Centre.
Visiting teams will be Richmond, Surrey, Semiahmoo, Vernon, OHA, Kelowna and the Northeast B.C. & Yukon Trackers, who are based in Fort St. John.
