Adam Chaim, Cougars head coach and CHAT Kimel athletic director and head of physical education, said the team “was a lot more competitive and bonded better, compared to last season.”

Cougars had an 8-1-1 regular season record, but it was a late January tournament that indicated this was a special team.

“It was huge winning the Cabernet Cup at The Sports Village ice facility in Vaughan,” said Chaim. “The timing right before the end of the regular season helped us form a solid team unit, which had great confidence coming into the playoffs.”

Their semi-final 2-0 series sweep of Our Lady of the Lake, were both by scores of 4-3. Forward Sean Cheskes scored two goals in both games, with forward Andrew Shore scoring the overtime series clincher.

Leading scorer forward David Garbuz separated his shoulder, forcing him to miss the first game of the final against 9-0-1 St. Robert (Cougars only tie).
Game one saw them hold a 2-1 lead (goals by Zack Chait and Jesse Primerano) until near the end of the second period, when St. Robert scored two quick goals to take the lead. Cougars had to open up in the third, diverting from their defensive trap mode, and lost 6-2.

Cougars started off quick in game two taking a 2-0 lead after one period, doubling to 4-0 after two.

“We had a third period goal called back because of a high stick,” said Chaim. “St. Robert scored on the first rush after that, and scored again 10 seconds later.”

Cougars tallied the next goal to stop the momentum, on their way to the 5-3 win. Cheskes, Matthew Lewenberg, Ryan Snow, Elliott Leifer and Garbuz scored, with captain Ray Abramson contributing three assists.

Chaim admitted Cougars might have been a little overconfident going into game three at Clatworthy Arena in Thornhill, trailing 1-0 after the first. After Abramson tied the score, St. Robert took control in all facets and led 4-1 after 40 minutes.

“I said at the intermission it would be the last opportunity for many of them to play high school hockey and our play was not reflective of our season. I left the dressing room for a few minutes after to allow players to sort it all out.” he said.

Whatever was said in that room had Cougars come out voraciously like their animal namesake, to start the third period. Cheskes scored twice in 30 seconds, to put Cougars right back into the mix. Their dominance finally paid off with 68 seconds left in regulation, when Lewenberg snapped a shot from the slot to tie it and force overtime.

“I told the boys before OT to end this quickly and shoot from everywhere on their goalie.” Chaim said.

In the overtime, Garbuz and Cheskes broke in on a two-on-one break. Garbuz passed to Cheskes and his wrist shot from the slot sailed into the top corner of the net at 1:08. The goal set off pandemonium as Cougars players bolted off their bench throwing gloves up in the air, and jumping on each other in celebration.

“A great way to finish the season. The team showed such great character, one game down and three goals down in the decisive match. A great sight, and a special moment,” said Chaim.

Abramson said after playing in his final high school hockey game, “I couldn’t have dreamed of a more storybook ending. Today’s championship game was probably one of the most intense hockey games I’ve ever played in. Going into the third, down three goals, I knew it would be quite an uphill battle. The real turning point was in the middle of the third period. The opposing team’s scorekeeper played the song Day and Night, which is our team’s pump up song. I knew right away that this game would turn in our favour, as we ultimately won it.”  
                                                                                                        
Chaim talked about some of his players, starting with Abramson and Lewenberg.

“Ray [Abramson] exuded leadership in the dressing room, motivated teammates on the ice and became a role model for our younger players. Matthew [Lewenberg] was the heart of our defence who could play offence and on the power play, or stay at home. Though a smallish-sized player, he had a big impact on the ice and the dressing room.”

Goalie Sam Manley took over the starting role after the Cabernet Tourney through the remainder of the season.

“We were outplayed in our semi-final and Manley made some unbelievable stops at crucial times,” said Chaim. “He’s the reason we made it to the finals and key third period saves in the last game gave us the chance to come all the way back.”      
                                                                                   
Chaim added next season would be about rebuilding as many of his 18 players will graduate this year.

“We’ll lose Manley, three defencemen and three forwards. I expect our hockey program to grow as a result of this championship.”                                                                                                                             

Jack Borenstein can be emailed at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it