VIDEO: Lachute Stars take a bite out of Vankleek Hill Cougars

From the moment the puck dropped at the opening ceremonies of the Lachute Midget Hockey Tournament on Friday, January 14, the race for the nets was on.

On one side of the ice stood the Vankleek Hill CC Cougars and on the other the Lachute CC Stars. Evenly matched in size and age, the 15 to 17-year-old teenagers slammed onto the ice in full fighting form, stealing the puck, body checking opponents into the rink walls and fighting to score.

The Cougars players valiantly held their own as the Stars scored first, then notched another goal and another after that. Cougars goalie Matthieu Bougie managed to fend off more than 60 shots on goal but, by the end of the game, it was a 5-1 win in favour of the hometown favourites.

Cougars Coach Denis Sweeney commended his team on its strong effort and on the importance in participating in local tournaments.

"The kids never quit. They always work hard, but they're just not getting the breaks right now. Competing against Lachute was tough and there has always been a bit of a rivalry between us, given that we are one of the closer towns to Lachute," said Sweeney.

The Lachute Midget Hockey Tournament is celebrating its 33rd year this year and its continued success is due in large part to the participation of visiting teams, the support of the community, and business owners who work together to make sure that over 400 local children can continue to lace up their skates and play hockey.

"I remembers when my sons played hockey and the joy and privilege it was for them to participate in the Lachute Midget Tournament," said Lachute Mayor Daniel Mayer. "This tournament is an event for kids that motivate the very young. Our novice players get to watch their big brothers and to dream of one day competing. These kids are role models in the community and they are on the ice because they work hard and persevere".