In our third installment of Feature Friday the Cobourg Cougars would like to help our fans get to know 2002-born forward Jacob Gilbert. 

Jacob began his Junior hockey career with the Napanee Raiders of the Provincial Junior Hockey League (PJHL), signing with the club as an under-age 16-year-old, coming off a strong minor-midget season with the Quinte Red Devils. "My 16-year-old season is 100% one I will remember for the rest of my life," said Gilbert on his year with the Raiders. In his rookie season, Jacob posted 18 goals and 20 assists (38 points) in 39 regular-season games for the Raiders, on route to the Schmaltz Cup championship that season. Gilbert didn't wilt under the pressure and was a strong contributor throughout the season for Napanee and on their playoff-run, "The games got so much more competitive each and every game and having the group of guys that we did made those high-pressure games a lot easier to just go out there and play hockey," said Gilbert on his first experience with junior hockey. "I learned that the saying 'playoff-run' really means a whole lot and you have to dig deep to play your game every night or else your team won't be successful."

The following season Jacob started the year with the Trenton Golden Hawks, before returning to Napanee and picking up where he left off. Gilbert posted 5 goals and 8 assists (13 points) in 9 games in his second stint with the Raiders, eventually signing with the Cougars and permanently making the jump to Junior A. "Coming to Coburg last season I had no idea what to expect but all the guys were so welcoming I just felt like I belonged here right away, and we only got closer as a group throughout the course of the season." said Gilbert on joining his the Cougars mid-season. 

Gilbert hit the ground running and posted 9 goals and 9 assists (18 points) in 31 games, adding a pair of assists in 4 playoff games with the Cougars, "The transition was relatively comfortable, especially coming from such a strong Napanee team, and going so deep in the playoffs. The biggest change on the ice was definitely the speed and skill of the game and everything off the ice. The jump honestly wasn't much different other than the Junior A atmosphere." said Gilbert on making the adjustment.

This pre-season Jacob picked up where he left off and was tied for the team lead in points after 7-games against the Whitby Fury, prior to the provincial lockdown. "I see myself as a very hard-working two-way forward not afraid to throw the body and I love to put up some points," said Gilbert, describing his game "I just enjoy producing out there, no matter where I am I just want to be an offensive threat."

During the lockdown Jacob has been staying ready, awaiting an opportunity for him and his teammates to return to the rink, "I've been busy working and working out, trying to be better than I was before the lockdown so we can make the most of the rest of the season." Once back in the rink, the goal for Gilbert and the Cougars is clear, "Championship. Championship is the main goal for this season and playing the best hockey I ever have," said Gilbert. In addition to the team goal, Jacob would like to pursue an opportunity to play Division I NCAA hockey "A goal of mine has always been aiming for an NCAA scholarship, so that's definitely a goal of mine moving forward."

You can watch Jacob's 7 pre-season games, as well as all of last season, on HockeyTV. Be sure to follow the Cougars on social media for more updates on this season.

Quick Hits:

Favourite Hockey Team: Toronto Maple Leafs

Hockey Role Model: Dad

Favourite Hockey Player: Jonathan Toews

Pre-Game Meal: Chicken and Pasta

Currently Binging: Cobra Kai

Favourite Movie: Good Will Hunting