Cougars goaltender Mike Platten stands guard and Penetang centre Shawn Moser comes crashing into the Schomberg goal. The Kings won the game, 4-2, Saturday at the Schomberg Community Arena. Photo by Jon Yaneff Attribute the Schomberg Cougars recent four-game losing streak entirely to injuries and the holidays.

Half that streak occurred during the weekend, as they first lost to the Penetang Kings, 4-2, at the Schomberg Community Arena Saturday.

"We've had players away on vacation and practices were lightly attended," said Head Coach Craig Armitage, of his team's current streak. "They've all been eating a lot during the holidays as well and it showed in our team conditioning during the game."

Penetang definitely seemed in better shape to open the game, as centre Corey Hastings broke toward the Cougars' goal shorthanded, scoring up high on goalie Mike Platten. Forwards Curtis Watson and Brad Baum extended the Penetang lead to 3-0 shortly after.

Before the end of the frame, Schomberg persevered and it paid off with their new left-winger Mark Bell scoring with 5:39 left in the period after the puck took a weird bounce.

"It was a relief getting that first goal," said Bell, who recently signed with Schomberg after being released by the Stayner Siskins. "Schomberg are a great organization and I hope to contribute here."

"We thought Bell could add a dimension up front that we certainly needed," added Armitage.

Bell had one goal, adding an assist in 15 games with Stayner.

The Cougars kept the game close, as they got it within one in the second with forward Adam Waring notching a powerplay goal at the 5:21 mark of the frame. Forward Matt Steenhoek assisted on both Schomberg goals during the contest.

Hastings then sealed the game for the Kings mid-way through the third period by accepting a crisp power-play pass by defenceman Evan Cole.

Sunday, the Cougars fell once again, losing an 8-5 final to the Fergus Devils at the Fergus and District Community Centre. Forward Larry Volpe led the Cougars with two goals and two assists in the loss.

The Georgian Bay Mid- Ontario Junior 'C' Hockey League fourth-place Cougars (13-17-2, 28 points) will look to get back on the track with a home game against the third-place Erin Shamrocks (18-12-1, 37 points) Thursday at 8:15 p.m. They also travel to the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre Friday, as they battle the last-place Midland Flyers (4-25-3, 11 points), starting at 8 p.m.

From the front office: Also playing his first game as a Cougar was defenceman Jeff Moniz, who is an affiliated player from midget A Bradford Bulls. GMOHL teams are allowed one non-junior centre affiliated player and Schomberg decided to sign him to an AP card. Armitage said he hopes Moniz will then want to come and play in Schomberg next season.

Injury report: There were several players missing during the weekend games, including forwards Enrico Ferri (knee injury), Ryan Christadler (shoulder injury), Todd Cantelon (suspension), and defencemen Kyle Ainsley (suspension), Dan Hamlett (holiday) Mike Volpe (leg injury) and Jeff Mulvihill (shoulder injury). Mulvihill should be ready to go by the end of the month. Also, Ferri will still miss two weeks, while Volpe is expected back this week. The rest of the absences are listed as dayto day.