The Atom Carlyle Cougars finished their season this past week with a hard-fought series against Kipling. Unfortunately, the team ended up losing the series in three games. In a strange twist, the away team ended up winning each game. The Cougars took the first game in Kipling on Feb. 26 with a four goal effort by Ethan Anderson, a two goal effort by Dawson Brown, one goal from Jarred Valentine, and a stellar defensive effort from the rest of the team. Judah Wardrope also had a great game in net for the Cougars and the Cougars took the first game 7-2.
Game two was the next day back in Carlyle. It was 2-0 after the first for Kipling. Kipling was flying and managed to score five more goals in the second period. The Cougars responded with a strong second period with four goals of their own, with Zach Bell, Cade Bendtsen, Delan Robertson, and Ethan Anderson all scoring. Unfortunately, that was all the Cougars had left in the tank and Kipling scored four more goals in the second to take game two by an 11-4 margin.
The final game of the series took place on Thursday, March 3 in Carlyle. The game was tied 2-2 after the first with Carlyle goals by Dawson Brown and Ethan Anderson. The Cougars were outscored 5-2 in the second period. Ethan Anderson was able to score both Carlyle goals for the natural hat trick. Kipling's deep bench allowed them to keep skating hard all throughout the third period. Despite one more goal by Dawson Brown in the third period, the Cougars could not sustain the frantic pace and Kipling ended up skating to a 12-5 victory to end the Cougars season. The final game was not as lopsided as it sounded with a couple of good bounces going Kipling's way and several close chance for Carlyle in the third period. The Cougars had nothing to ashamed of and finished the game with a strong effort and their heads held high. Way to go, Cougars! We are all proud of you, and especially of the way that you bonded together as a real team throughout the season. Thanks to all the Cougar families and to the coaches for a great season! See you next year!
