3 days Ago By By Matt Packwood
They knew it would be extremely difficult to win five games in a row, and it proved to be the case. Read this article for free: Already have an account? As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed. Now, more than ever, we need your support.
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Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community! They knew it would be extremely difficult to win five games in a row, and it proved to be the case. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? They knew it would be extremely difficult to win five games in a row, and it proved to be the case. The Assiniboine Cougars dropped the American Collegiate Hockey Association Division 2 women’s final 6-2 Tuesday afternoon at the Centene Community Ice Centre outside St.
Louis, Mo. in a rematch of last year’s final. Tuesday saw a similar result, as the Sault College Cougars earned a third straight title after jumping ahead early and holding Assiniboine at bay for 40 minutes.
Assiniboine Cougars forward Gracie Carels takes the draw in a home game earlier this season. (Matt Packwood/The Brandon Sun) For a team that experienced a lot this year, and as hard as it is to process, the experience of competing as a group despite the result will serve them in the long run, according to head coach David Kirkup. “My message to the girls after the game was there are 14 teams in this tournament who would gladly trade spots with us right now,” said Kirkup.
“I know it takes time to appreciate silver. Out of the 82 teams that had a chance we finished second, so while it stings right now, be proud of your accomplishment.” Reassuring words, as any coach would say following a gutting defeat, but it still stings, especially to those that have played three years and made it so close all three years.
“It was a very emotional end. This team is very close,” Kirkup said through tears of his own. “I’m proud of each and every one of them.
We went through some adversity and some trying times internally, but I told the girls moving on from the program that not only will this experience serve them down the road as citizens, but I know each of them are good people and will do well in life.” Assiniboine had the edge earlier this season, beating Sault 3-2 on Jan. 18 before playing to a 1-1 tie the next morning.
History appeared to be a factor, evident in the eight penalties called throughout the game — five to Assiniboine — ranging from cross-checking to roughing, as well as slashing and interference calls. After Madison Haliuk scored her sixth of the tournament to tie it 1-1, three unanswered goals from Sault College’s Materia Land in an 11-minute stretch to conclude the first period turned out to be the difference maker, as a debated interference call contributed significantly to the outcome according to Kirkup. “They’re a solid team, four solid lines, they played well and take nothing from Sault, but their third goal, the ref called it off for goaltender interference,” said Kirkup.
“After they talked it over as a group of officials they overturned the initial call and called it a goal. I think that was the turning point. That was very hard to overcome.
” But to know these Cougars is to know they wouldn’t back down and continued to battle for the next 40 minutes. Brooklyn Franklin answered midway through the second with a power play tally to trim the deficit to 5-2. The Cougars stuck together and worked right until the end of the game, creating opportunities but just unable to capitalize.
Sault College did just enough to shut the Cougars down in the third period before adding an empty net goal to seal the deal. “Even down 6-2 with a couple of minutes they all said ‘There’s no quit here’ and they competed right until the bitter end. None of them should have any regrets,” said Kirkup.
But that doesn’t take away from the sting of defeat for the entire squad who has grown quite close with a first-year coaching staff. “Charles Tweed, our assistant coach, summed it up very well in his closing speech, along the lines of saying thank-you for accepting us as new coaches,” Kirkup added. “I think that was a very powerful message.
New coach. Similar environment. They took us in and in turn we taught them some things and they taught us at the same time.
” Powerful messages from home helped inspire the squad too, as Kirkup said he and the team received an outpouring of support for the full five days of the tournament. “I read all of the texts, all comments on social media and I appreciate all the support back home,” said Kirkup. “A championship team doesn’t happen on its own and the support from back home did not go unnoticed.
” As bittersweet as Tuesday’s final was, it also marked the final game for 12 players. So they loaded the bus and went for one last team dinner before beginning the long journey home. While it wasn’t the storybook ending they’d hoped for, they most certainly will take one last night to celebrate each other.
Kirkup closed by saying again how much he appreciates the team and all of the countless supporters, but also pointed out that the team is holding an identification camp in Rivers on April 30 for any potential recruits interested in joining the squad next year. While they took Tuesday night for one last celebration, the rookie coach is already thinking about next year’s ACHA championship. “We’ve got 51 weeks to get back here.
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