OAK FOREST, IL - The Chicago Cougars Premier squad had a weekend that could only be described as a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with heartbreak, redemption, and a statement win that reminded everyone why this team is never out of the fight. Facing off against divisional rival Metro Jets Development Program (MJDP) in a highly anticipated two-game series before taking on the Minnesota Squatch, the Cougars showed flashes of brilliance, grit, and the kind of resilience that defines championship-caliber teams.
Game 1: MJDP 5, Chicago Cougars 4 – A Valiant Comeback Falls Short
The series kicked off at the Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville, Illinois, and it was a game that had everything: high stakes, high emotions, and a furious third-period rally that fell just short. The Cougars found themselves in a deep hole early, trailing 3-0 after the first period thanks to a relentless MJDP attack. Clovis Gamelin and Raphaël Belley-Pelletier were everywhere for the Jets, combining for three points in the opening frame and setting the tone.
But the Cougars, true to their identity, refused to go quietly. Jordan Trakosas got the Cougars on the board in the second period with a power-play goal, and the floodgates opened in the third. Aiden Middendorf, Rocco Romita, and Griffin Delfosse all found the back of the net in a span of just under four minutes, tying the game at 4-4 and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
However, the Jets had the last laugh. Gamelin netted his second of the night at 15:17 of the third, sealing a 5-4 victory for MJDP. Despite outshooting the Jets 44-26, the Cougars couldn’t overcome their slow start.
Head Coach Josh Dallmann’s Take:
“We dug ourselves a hole early, and against a team like MJDP, you can’t do that. But I’m proud of the way we battled back. The character in this room is undeniable. We just need to put together a full 60 minutes.”
Game 2: Chicago Cougars 5, MJDP 0 – A Statement Win
If Game 1 was a lesson in resilience, Game 2 at the Scott R Triphahn Arena in Hoffman Estates was a masterclass in dominance. The Cougars came out with a chip on their shoulder and absolutely dismantled the Jets, shutting them out 5-0 in front of a roaring home crowd.
Austin Plumert was the unlikely hero, scoring twice in the second period, including the game-winner. Jordan Trakosas continued his strong play with a power-play goal, and Griffin Delfosse added two more to put the game out of reach. Nick Gingold was a brick wall in net, stopping all 31 shots he faced for a well-deserved shutout.
The Cougars’ penalty kill was stellar, going 6-for-6, and the power play capitalized on its opportunities, going 1-for-4. This was a complete team effort, and it sent a clear message to the rest of the division: the Cougars are a force to be reckoned with.
Head Coach Josh Dallmann’s Take:
“That’s the kind of hockey we’re capable of playing. We were disciplined, we executed our game plan, and we played with an edge. Nick was phenomenal in net, and our guys stepped up when it mattered. This is the standard we need to hold ourselves to every night.”
Game 3: Chicago Cougars 4, Minnesota Squatch 3 – A Gritty Out-of-State Victory
Fresh off their dominant performance against MJDP, the Cougars faced a tough test against the Minnesota Squatch at the Orbit Ice Arena in Palatine, Illinois. The Squatch, one of the top teams in the league, came in with a 30-5-2 record and a reputation for high-octane offense. But the Cougars were undeterred.
Aiden Middendorf was the star of the show, scoring twice, including the game-winner in the second period. Brett Tumbrink and William Stornello also found the back of the net, and Nick Gingold once again stood tall, making 39 saves in a gutsy performance.
The Squatch made things interesting with a third-period power-play goal from Nikita Schneider, but the Cougars held firm, killing off a late penalty and securing a hard-fought 4-3 victory. This was a statement win against one of the league’s elite teams, and it showcased the Cougars’ ability to rise to the occasion.
Head Coach Josh Dallmann’s Take:
“ Minnesota is a special team, and we knew we had to bring our A-game. Our guys stepped up, especially Nick in net. Aiden was huge for us tonight, and our special teams came through when we needed them. This is the kind of win that can really galvanize a team.”
Key Takeaways from the Weekend
Resilience is the Cougars’ Calling Card | Whether it was battling back from a 3-0 deficit against MJDP or holding off a late surge from the Squatch, the Cougars showed they have the mental toughness to compete with anyone.
Special Teams Shine | The power play was clicking all weekend, and the penalty kill was rock-solid, especially in the shutout win against MJDP. Special teams can make or break a season, and the Cougars are trending in the right direction.
Gingold Stands Tall | Nick Gingold was a difference-maker in net, particularly in the shutout and the win against Minnesota. When your goalie is playing like that, you’re always in the game.
Depth Scoring Steps Up | From Plumert’s two-goal performance to Middendorf’s heroics, the Cougars got contributions from up and down the lineup. That kind of depth is crucial as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead
The Cougars have proven they can hang with the best, but consistency will be key as they push for a playoff spot. With a mix of veteran leadership and young talent, this team has the potential to make some noise down the stretch. As Coach Dallmann put it, “We’re just scratching the surface of what we can do. The best is yet to come.” Catch all the Chicago Cougars action live on FloHockey.tv!
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