The Cobourg Cougars are heading into the first round of the OJHL playoffs, likely facing the Toronto Jr. Canadiens.
General Manager Adam Holtzmann says the team is preparing for a competitive series, with their goal being to grab an early road win to shift momentum in their favour.
“We’re optimistic that we’re going to come out fast,” Holtzmann said. “We’ve got players coming back from injury, and our leadership group will be fully intact for the first time since October.”
Holtzmann says the team is focused on coming out strong, especially as they’ll start on the road.
The Cougars have a strong history against the Jr. Canadiens, but Holtzmann acknowledges the challenge ahead. “They play a fast, aggressive style, so we’ll need to stop them in the neutral zone and attack their defence.” He added that players like veterans Nico LaForge, Michael De Souza, Jesse English, and Duncan Schneider will play key roles in the team’s success.
Holtzmann says having a nearly full roster for the first time in months is a huge advantage against the Junior Canadiens
Holtzmann says community support will be critical in the playoffs, calling Cobourg’s fans some of the most dedicated in the league. “We’ve played in arenas with only 50 people in the stands, while even in bad weather, we still get 400 to 500 fans,” he said. “When we hit that 1,000-fan mark in the playoffs, it creates an electric atmosphere that fuels our team.”
He adds that community support plays a huge role, with Cobourg fans consistently packing the rink.
While Holtzmann isn’t making predictions, he says the team is ready for a long, hard-fought series. “It’s going to take everything we’ve got,” he said. “If we can win it in four, five, or six games, that would be ideal, but we’re prepared for a battle.”
Game one is expected to take place in Toronto.
Go Cougars Go!
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
