Hard days continue for Cougars
By Bill Rea

It was hard to come up with positive things to say about the Schomberg Cougars' last game Thursday night.

Their power play was working. It was a definite weakness a couple of weeks ago, but all four of the Cougars' goals Thursday came while they had the man advantage. The problem was the Alliston Hornets scored 14 goals in response.

The side was holding its own in the first period, but troubles started in the second. They drew a series of penalties early in the frame, and the extended power play resulted in the Hornets' sixth goal, and that seemed to rev the visitors. They added five more markers before the next buzzer, eventually outshooting the Cougars 73- 20.

"It's really hard to get out of a slump like this," commented Head Coach Gary Waldrum after the game. "If you don't believe, you can't turn it around."

He acknowledged the power play is one of the things they've been working on in practice. There are other factors that need attention, but he said a shortage of sponsorship means it's hard to obtain ice time.

In an effort to shake things up a bit, the team introduced Kettleby resident Aaron Morning midway through the match for a stint between the pipes. He's been playing goal for the Schomberg midget rep Red Wings, and despite the harsh introduction to the junior C world, he was happy to be in the ranks.

He pointed out the periods are longer than what he's used to. "You get lots of ice time, lots of shots," he observed.

He also believes his new mates have lots of talent, and they're just having trouble throwing it all together.

Waldrum added they plan to welcome Matt Steenhoek back to the line-up. He was a big help to the cause last season.

There is going to be plenty of action this week to help him get back in the groove.

The action resumes tomorrow (Thursday) night when the Cougars will host the Midland Flyers. The game will begin at 8:15 p.m.

Saturday will see them travelling north to Stayner for an 8:30 match against the Siskins. Then they'll be paying a call on the Fergus Devils Sunday night. That match will start at 7:30 p.m.