The Cariboo Major Bantam Cougars proved why they belonged in the AAA Elite Division of the 2019 Pat Quinn Classic by posting a near-undefeated record.
However, an even more elite team brought the Prince George hockey club to a screeching halt in the gold medal game yesterday (Dec. 31).
The host-Burnaby Winter Club steamrolled to an 11-3 final, humbling the Cougars to a silver medal and leaving the lower mainland with a 5-1 record.
Caleb Poitras had a goal and an assist in the championship game, while Jacob Suderman and Jacob Sale scored the other two on Tuesday afternoon.
Poitras led Cariboo with six goals in six games, but Dylan Ilett led the Bantam Cats on the scoresheet with 10 points, including five goals and five assists.
The Cougars faced B.C. league-rival Fraser Valley in the semi-finals earlier that morning and won 5-4 over the Thunderbirds thanks to Miguel Marques overtime-winner 2:17 into the extra frame.
.@BantamNorth is off to the finals of the prestigious @PatQuinnClassic later today (Dec. 31) 🏒 Miguel Marques finished the job for the 5-4 overtime victory after his team started the 3rd period down 3-1 to rival-Fraser Valley.
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) December 31, 2019
🎥⬇️ | #CityOfPG @BCHockey_MBL @PGMatters https://t.co/MmOdLETc8V
They also defeated the Valley West Bantam AAA Giants 3-2 in the quarter-finals Monday night (Dec. 30).
The Major Bantam Cougars’ round-robin results at the four-day Pat Quinn Classic are as follows:
- 2-1 win over CAC Lehigh Clement Bantam AAA Canadians
- 3-2 win over Fort Saskatchewan Bantam AAA Rangers
- 5-3 win over Greater Vancouver Canadians
Cariboo comes home for a weekend doubleheader against the Okanagan Rockets Jan. 11 (6 p.m.) and 12 (9:45 a.m.) at Kins 1 and 2 respectively.
Through 18 games, the Cougars are 7-9-0-2 for fifth place in the eight-team league.
