It was a long road - in more ways than one - for the Sault Cougars women's extramural hockey team to the Challenge Cup in Brantford. But in the end, the journey proved to be the reward as the Cougars emerged with the 2016 Challenge Cup title.
With a 14 hour round trip to Brantford - and the #7 seed in the 8 team tournament - the Cougars did face a long and difficult road to the title. Throw in round robin games against Fanshawe and St. Lawrence Cornwall - the only two teams to ever win the Cup - and that road looked a little too tough. But then again, so were the Cougars.
The Sault defeated #3 Fanshawe 2-0, then dropped a toughed 3-2 decision to the two-time defending champs from Cornwall to finish Day 1 at 1-1, setting up a quarter-final match up with first time Cup competitors Mohawk. The Cougars prevailed 4-1, moving on to face undefeated Fleming in the semis. Playing with only two lines as a result of injuries, the Cougars scored three quick goals and survived a late Fleming onslaught to take a 4-2 win and advance to the championship.
It appeared as though the Cougars would get a rematch against the Sharks in the final - but UTSC had other ideas. The Maroons faced St. Lawrence in the semis - a rematch of last year's final. Trailing 1-0 late in the game, UTSC tied the score to send it to a shootout and scored the only goal to end the Sharks reign and advance to the final. However, the emotional win seemed to take a bit out UTSC and a determined Cougars squad were not to be outdone as they upset the #2 Maroons 2-1 to win the 2016 Challenge Cup - and make the long trip back to the Sault a worthwhile one.
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