The Cariboo Cougars got off to a rough start on Friday at the Mac's AAA Midget World Invitational hockey tournament, dropping a 6-1 decision to the Notre Dame Argos from Saskatchewan in Calgary.
Colton Thomas had the lone goal for the Cougars, who were facing the top team in Saskatchewan's midget triple-A league. The Argos led 2-0 after the first period and 5-1 after 40 minutes. Jordan Berger notched a hat trick for the victors.
Jeremy Matte was busy between the pipes for the Cougars, making 36 saves.
The Cougars will look for their first win on Saturday when they play Alberta's Red Deer Optimist Chiefs.
Also Friday, the Northland Dodge Cougars fell to 0-1-1 in the female division, following a 3-2 loss to the Calgary Flyers.
Hunter Mosher at even strength and Chantelle Beadman-Rolph on the power play gave the Cougars a 2-0 lead just over 13 minutes into the game, but the Flyers got one back before the first period was out. Calgary scored twice more in the third for the comeback win. Avery Quiring made 21 saves in a losing effort.
The female Cougars opened the tournament on Boxing Day with a 1-1 tie against the Winnipeg Ice. Megan Hickey scored the tying goal for the northern B.C. team on the power play midway through the third period to secure the single point.
Kelsey Roberts made 21 saves for the Cougars.
The female Cougars are back on the ice on Sunday when they play the Swift Current Diamond Energy Wildcats.
With one point through two games, the Cougars are tied with the Ice for fourth place in the five-team Pool 8.
