Photo Courtesy MBC Media
The Cobourg Cougars opened their 2026-27 campaign last night at The Cobourg Community Centre and the fans were ready!
The “New-Look” Team downed the visiting Lindsay Muskies by a score of 6-5.
Founded in 1964, the Cougars have been a mainstay in the Northumberland hockey landscape and in 1992 they joined the ranks of the Junior A Ontario Hockey League and haven’t looked back since.
Nearing the midway point of last years season, Cobourg Cougars fans were voicing frustration over a start that had left the team 11th out of 12 teams in the East Division and things didn’t improve much throughout the season.
Historically, the Cougars had been playoff contenders and were only two seasons removed from an appearance in the conference final. Fans said last year’s team bore little resemblance to the squad they had supported for years.
Towards the end of last season, the League announced a significant change for junior hockey in Cobourg, confirming that the current Cobourg Cougars franchise would relocate to Toronto, while the Haliburton County Huskies franchise would move to Cobourg and assume the Cougars identity. With the win on home ice last night it looks like a goods strong start for the squad.
Ron Messer is the PA announcer for the team and he says that the troubles of the past are better left there and that the new team already looks like they have come to compete.
Fans were excited at the prospect of a brand new start for the venerable team and it was evident in the buzz around the arena last night. Connie Mallia was one of the many fans who are looking for big things from the hometown boys this season. Her enthusiasm for the team is pretty clear.
Best of the luck to the Cobourg Cougars for this brand new season and Go Cougars Go!
