The Burlington Cougars picked up a valuable two points in a Monday matinee matchup against the Mississauga Chargers at Appleby Ice Centre. With the playoffs looming and teams jockeying for positioning, the Cougars were led by a cast of players on Monday, eventually emerging with a 6-1 victory.

Recently acquired goaltender Daniel Davidson made his Cougars, and OJHL debut after coming over from the La Ronge Ice Wolves (SJHL) at the trade deadline. Davidson was a key cog for the Cougars on Monday, stopping 29 of 30 shots en route to his first OJHL victory.

After a scoreless first period the Chargers hopped ahead early in the second stanza on a goal by David Jesus. Cougars forward Josh Leblanc would get it right back under a minute later though, burying his 7th goal of the season to tie the game. Mitchell Morrison then added a goal with under a minute to play in the frame, giving the home team a 2-1 lead heading to the third.



In the final frame the Cougars put their offensive depth on display, with four unanswered goals from four different players. Brendan Rylott started things off with his first goal in a Cougars uniform 8 minutes into the period. Rylott also joined the Cougars at the trade deadline, coming from the Kanata Lasers (CCHL).

Max Lightfoot then found the scoresheet for the Cougars, his first goal since December 20 putting Burlington ahead 4-1. Jack Harper and Michael Boushy each added powerplay markers in the latter stages of the game to close things out.

Matthew Steen led the way for the Cougars with 3 points, while Evan Benwell and Josh Leblanc finished with 2 points apiece.

With the win, the Cougars now sit two points ahead of the Brampton Admirals for 3rd place in the West Division standings. Burlington has another key divisional matchup on the horizon with the Georgetown Raiders paying a visit to Appleby Ice Centre on Friday, January 25. Puck drop will be at 7:30pm.

- Written by Pat Shields