Tough times for Cougars after two losses
By Bill Rea

The Schomberg Cougars are in a slump, as the group of young players try to get on the same page.

The team fell 8-3 Thursday at home to the Penetang Kings, then dropped a 4-1 decision Friday night in Midland to the Flyers.

The side actually drew first blood Thursday, as they opened the scoring midway through the first period on a goal from Thomas Faris, assisted by Mitch Ronan and Pat Homersham, but the Kings had things tied a little more than a minute later, and then notched three goals in the second to put the match out of reach. The Cougars were able to add a couple of markers in the third, but Penetang were able to get four of their own, including one in the last minute, to nail down the win.

Faris and Mike Shuryn were the marksmen, with assists going to Homersham, Shuryn, Matt Steenhoek and Shane Jones.

Head Coach Gary Waldrum later said this is a learning period for everyone, including players and coaches.

"We've still got a long way to go," he remarked. "It's a learning experience for all of us. I'm learning a lot, game by game."

The Cougars were outshot 48-20, and Waldrum said that was a little unusual, as they have been getting better in that department. He also said there were a "lot of mental errors and not sticking with the game plan they were given."

Thursday also marked the 10th game of the season for the club, and Waldrum said the next step will be to cut back on the errors. Some of the skaters might have to do time on the bench in order to get the message, he remarked.

He didn't have a lot to say in light of the loss to Midland.

"We'll be looking at this stuff for a while," he commented. "It's a young team with a lot of rookies."

The Cougars are spending this week on the road. Tomorrow (Thursday) night, they will be travelling north to Stayner for a match with the Siskins, starting at 8:30 p.m. The next night, they will be in Fergus to play the devils, starting at 8:30 p.m.