Cougars host first annual Can-Am College Cup

The Assiniboine Community College Cougars women’s hockey team is hosting its first tournament as a member of the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). 

The Can-Am College Cup will be held this coming November 11 to 13 at the Brandon Sportsplex.

“The Cougars are very excited about hosting the inaugural Can-Am College Cup in November,” said head coach, Terry Arksey. “The participating teams within the ACHA will make this a competitive event and we are looking forward to showcasing collegiate hockey here in Brandon.”

The Minot State University Beavers and Lakehead University Thunderwolves are ACHA members and games between these teams and the Assiniboine Cougars will be considered league games. As it is the Cougars’ first year in the league, the team is not able to qualify for playoffs; however games against ACHA teams are still considered in standings.

Filling the last slot of the tournament is the Polar Ice, a Winnipeg-based Manitoba Women’s Junior Hockey League team. The tournament is set up as a round robin with the Thunderwolves and Beavers facing off in an additional game to add to their league schedule.

“I came to ACC because it had everything I was looking for from academics to athletics,” says defenceman Amy Weightman. “Being able to host a tournament and giving potential Cougars the opportunity to see the level of hockey we play is exciting.”

“We encourage the entire community of Brandon and surrounding areas to attend the tournament and see some great action on the ice between these outstanding teams,” said Arksey.

The complete tournament schedule is as follows: