The Cariboo Cougars now know the first steps they'll have to take as they try to defend their Mac's title.
On Wednesday, organizers of the world-famous midget hockey tournament revealed the draw for this year's event, which runs from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1 in Calgary. The Cats, crowned champions last year after a 2-1 double-overtime victory against the Regina Pat Canadians in the final, will be in a pool with the CFR Chemicals Bisons of Strathmore, Alta., the Lloydminster Bobcats, the California-based Ontario Avalanche and the Rawtec Maulers of Yorkton, Sask. The Bisons were the 2015 Alberta and Pacific champions.
The 15- to 17-year-old Cougars compete in the B.C. Hockey Major Midget League and are currently in second place with a 15-6-3 record. They'll play their final two league games of 2015 on Saturday and Sunday in Richmond against the Greater Vancouver Canadians (11-10-3).
The Northern Capitals - who, like the Cougars, are based in Prince George - are entered in the female division of the Mac's. In the B.C. Hockey Female Midget AAA League, the Capitals are tied with the Greater Vancouver Comets for first place. Both clubs have 13-3-2 records. In a clash of titans, they will face each other Friday through Sunday in Coquitlam.
