The Cougars opened up their 2022-2023 regular season Friday night at Central Arena against the Oakville Blades in the Battle of Burloak. The Burlington Cougars have 12 returning players from last year’s roster, but it was newcomer Eric Bertelsen who got the scoring started.
Bertelsen’s second period tally was quickly followed up by returning player Keegan DeCaluwe, giving Burlington a 2-0 lead. The two-goal lead only lasted for 35 seconds as Oakville would cut the lead in half going into the locker room. The third period saw an offensive outburst from the Cougars forwards Eric Bertelsen and Jack Richard, both scoring on the power play, followed by Joseph Nikac. When asked about his performance, Bertelsen credited his success to his linemates Jack Richard and Jax Bellwood. Richard had a 3-point night and goaltender Zach Dietz made 15 saves in the 5-1 win. The Cougars had a quick turnaround as they traveled to Mississauga Saturday night to face the
Chargers. Mississauga jumped out to a quick start by scoring in the first minute of play, but the Cougars would respond with six unanswered goals, ending with a 7-2 victory. Jamie Langill scored twice, Crossley Stewart had three assists, and five others had a two-point night.
Goaltender Max Wright made his OJHL debut for Burlington. Max made 29 saves, collecting his first OJHL win. The Cougars’ next game is this Friday September 16th against the defending OJHL champions, the Pickering Panthers. Catch us at 7:30pm at Central Arena.
Phil Edmunds
