It was expected to be an exciting game and in the end, excitement is exactly what we got.  Things looked pretty gloomy for the Vankleek Hill Cougars early on.  At 17:58 of the opening period, it was already 3-0 for the Panthers.  It was pretty quiet in the Den and people were gearing for a long night.

Well cue the comeback!  Graeme Murray was the first Cougar to put VKH on board scoring shortly after Embrun's goals.  It seemed to wake up Vankleek Hill.  At the mid mark of the first, Fred Leger scored on a rebound to make it 3-2.  Both teams multiplied attacks but the period ended with a one goal lead for Embrun.  Disaster avoided.

In the second, the Cougars took control of the game and took advantage of a very undisciplined Embrun team.  Two powerplay goals later by Fred Leger and Max Emond and it was VKH on top for the first time in the game.  With only 18 seconds remaining in the period, the Panthers scored a questionable goal.  Referees totally missed an obvious too many men situation on the ice.

The third period would offer some exciting hockey.  Embrun regained the lead quickly by taking advantage of a VKH turnover.  Then at the 6 minute mark, the Panthers were on a power play but it was Riley Sauve of Vankleek Hill who scored to tie the game up.  Before the power play ended, Emburn added another one to take the lead again.  Vankleek Hill pressed and it payed off with just over two minutes left  when Josh DeSousa jumped on a huge rebound to tie it up and bring both teams in overtime.

With 1:13 left in the first overtime period, Embrun took a bad penalty and the Cougars would go to work.  They couldnt score but were still on the power play going in the second overtime period.  Embrun killed off the penalty but the Cougars kept the momentum and pressure and with only a minute left, Max Emond grabbed the loose puck in front of the Panthers netminder and put it in the back of the net for the exciting 7-6 win and hand Embrun their first lost of the season.

VANKLEEK HILL COUGARS VS MORRISBURG LIONS - SATURDAY OCT 24TH

The Cougars will try to remain undefeated when the Lions will be visiting next Saturday the 24th at 7:30pm.  Come and watch some exciting junior hockey!