The Vankleek Hill Cougars dedicated their Saturday night home to the memory of Kelly Lefebvre, one of the team`s most loyal fans and valued volunteers.

Saturday night at the Vankleek Hill Arena, the start of the game between the Cougars and the Morrisbury Lions was set aside for a dedication ceremony to honour the memory of Kelly Lefebvre, described as « valued member » of the community`s junior hockey club.

« It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of one of our longtime volunteers, » stated Cougars officials, « who dedicated so many years to the Vankleek Hill Cougars. She was not only a valued member of our team, but also a kind and caring person whose presence brightened every game, event, and gathering. Her generosity, warmth, and commitment to our community will never be forgotten. She gave her time with a smil and her heart with sincerity, and for that, we are truly grateful. On behalf of the Cougars family, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friend. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit and contributions will always remain a part of our team. »

The tribute ceremony included a series of taped messages from family members and friends of Lefebvre, describing her dedication and efforts in support of the team and the club, and reminiscing about some of the ways she helped the Cougars. The tribute finished with a ceremonial puck drop by representatives of the Lefebvre family.

Cougars cage Lions

Saturday night saw the Vankleek Hill Cougars claw the Morrisburg Lions 7-0, with the majority of goals scored during the second period.

Assistant Captain Cody Horner punched the first goal into the Morrisburg net halfway through first period, with help from Nolan Macmillan and Bradley Horner.

Midway through second period Xavier Plante fired in an unassisted goal against the Lions. He followed that up with two more goals within about two minutes times for a hat trick. Assisting Plante on his second goal were Liam Lynn and Jacob Crete, and Lynn and Zack Langlois on the third goal.

Mike Fournier popped in the Cougars`s fifth goal near the 10-minute mark of the period. Assisting him was Zack Sullivan. Crete, assisted by Lynn and Bradley Horner, scored the last goal of the second period on a power play. Alexander Mayer popped in the final goal of the night without assist in the first two minutes of third period.

Sunday in St-Isidore

The Cougars beat les Aigles de St-Isidore 4-1 Sunday night at the St-Isidore Arena.

Cody Horner put the Cougars on the scoreboard with a short-handed goal in the first three minutes of the game. Assisting him were Bradley Horner and Ryder Hill.

In second period Nolan Macmillan scored after almost six minutes of ice time, with help from Cody Horner and Garrett Cunning. The last five minutes of the period saw Cody Horner score his second goal of the night, with help from Macmillan and Bradley Horner.

The last Cougars goal of the night went in off the stick of Zachary Sullivan early in third period. Assisting him were Hill and Zack Langlois.

The Cougars remain in first place in the National Capital Junior Hockey League as the end of the season approaches, with 28 games played for 27 wins and one loss in overtime.

This Friday night the Cougars at in Chesterville against the North Dundas Rockets. They return home Saturday to host the Cumberland Castors.