The Vankleek Hill Cougars (23-9-1-1) will face the Metcalfe Jets (13-17-1-2) in the first round of the National Capital Junior Hockey League (NCJHL) playoffs, with Vankleek Hill’s first home game scheduled for this Saturday (February 15).
The Cougars clinched a first round meeting with Metcalfe by clinching third place with a 3-0 shutout of the North Dundas Rockets on Saturday, February 8, in front of home fans at the Vankleek Hill Community Centre. The win ensured North Dundas (21-11-0-1) would finish in fourth in the standings and will face the fifth place St-Isidore Eagles (15-13-3-3) in the first round.
The first place Gatineau-Hull Volant (30-3-1-0) will take on the tenth place Cumberland Castors (11-20-2-1) in the first round. The Westport Rideaus (24-9-0-1), who finished in second in the standings – just a single point ahead of the Cougars – will take on the ninth place Morrisburg Lions (12-21-0-1)
Series begins Friday in Metcalfe
While Vankleek Hill has home ice advantage, the seven-game series will begin with Metcalfe hosting a Valentine’s Day Game 1 on Friday, February 14. Game time is 8:15 p.m.
On Saturday, February 15, the series will shift to the Vankleek Hill Arena. Puck drop is 7:30 p.m.
Game 3 is scheduled in Metcalfe on Friday, February 21, with an 8:15 start. Game 4 will again be in Vankleek Hill. Puck drop is 7:30 p.m.
If necessary, Game 5 will be held on Wednesday, February 26, at the Vankleek Hill Arena. Game 6 would be Friday, February 28, in Metcalfe, and Game 7 on Saturday, March 1, in Vankleek Hill.
Last Week’s scores
Saturday, February 8 – Vankleek Hill Cougars 3, North Dundas Rockets 0
With third place in the NCJHL season standings on the line, the Cougars played a solid game in their final contest of the season, earning a shutout 3-0 win and ensuring that North Dundas could not catch them in points.
Cody Horner, Malcolm Seguin, ,and Garrett Cunning found the back of the net for Vankleek Hill. Tristan Paquette earned the win and shutout with a solid performance in the Vankleek Hill net.
Friday, February 7 – Vankleek Hill Cougars 1, Gatineau-Hull Volant 5
Any chance the Cougars had of catching second place Westport in the standings went out the window on Friday (February 7), with a 5-1 road loss to the first place Gatineau-Hull Volant.
Sebastien Ouimet scored the lone goal for the visitors.
Despite losing their final game of the season against Gatineau-Hull, Vankleek Hill has a solid record against the Volant in 2024-2025, including winning the two previous contests between the two teams.
St-Isidore Eagles look to defuse Rockets
The St-Isidore Eagles will be looking to pull off an upset against the second-place North Dundas Rockets in the first round of the NCJHL playoffs, which kicks off on Friday evening.
The Eagles will travel to North Dundas on Friday, February 14, for the first game at the Chesterville and District Arena. Game time is scheduled for 8 p.m.
The series will shift to the St-Isidore Arena for Game 2 on Saturday, February 15, where the Eagles will look to get a boost from their home fans. Puck drop is 7:30 p.m.
Final 2024-2025 NCJHL Regular Season Standings
