saultsports 
From February 5th to February 9th, 2025, the Sault College men’s and mixed curling teams made their mark at the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) Curling Championships held at the Dundas Valley Golf and Curling Club.
With fierce competition and impressive performances, the Cougars teams showed both skill and sportsmanship throughout the event.
In the men’s division, Sault College had a strong performance by the Cougars with delivering a remarkable performance. The team, consisting of Evan Robert (Fourth), Justin MacKay (Third), Charles Darling (Second), and Benjamin Appleton (Lead), under the leadership of Coach Dan Lemieux, finished the round robin with an impressive 5-2 record, securing a third-place finish.
In the semi-finals, the Cougars faced a tough challenge against the undefeated Mohawk Mountaineers. Despite their best efforts, they suffered a 6-0 loss, which pushed them to the consolation draw. However, the team showed their resilience by bouncing back, defeating the Fanshawe Falcons 8-3 to claim a well-deserved win in Dundas.
A highlight of the men’s team was the individual recognition earned by Justin MacKay, who was named to the Men’s Curling Second-Team Championship All-Stars for his excellent performance throughout the tournament.
In the mixed division, Sault College dominated with two teams competing with both teams showcasing impressive skills and teamwork. The Cougars Mixed One team, consisting of Evan Bowman (Anchor), Brooke Nicholson (Wheel), and coached by Nick Lemieux, faced off against their counterparts, the Cougars Mixed Two team, which included Ava Engel (Anchor) and Connor Sims (Wheel), also coached by Nick Lemieux.
The Cougars Mixed One team was dominant in round robin play, finishing with a perfect 7-0 record. Their strong performance continued in the playoffs, where they triumphed over the Niagara College Knights Team One with a commanding 10-3 victory. However, in the championship game, the Cougars Mixed One team met their match in the Cougars Mixed Two team, who emerged victorious with an 11-7 win, showcasing an outstanding level of competition within the Sault College teams.
The Mixed Two team, led by Engel and Sims, advanced to the finals with an impressive 6-1 record after defeating the Mohawk Mountaineers 10-6. Their journey to the championship was marked by exceptional skill and teamwork, leading them to an OCAA title.
In individual honours at the 2025 OCAA Curling Championships, the Cougars earned recognition of excellence with several players from both teams earned individual accolades at the championships. Ava Engel and Connor Sims from the Mixed Two team were recognized as the Mixed Doubles Second-Team Championship All-Stars and were named the Most Valuable Players of the 2025 OCAA Curling Championships, a well-deserved honor for their standout performances.
Additionally, Brooke Nicholson and Evan Bowman from the Mixed One team were named to the Mixed Doubles First-Team Championship All-Stars, solidifying their status as some of the best players in the tournament. Coach Nick Lemieux was also celebrated for his leadership and guidance, earning the Mixed Doubles Coach of the Year award for his exceptional work with both mixed teams.
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