Mount Royal University Cougars captain Connor Bouchard is in his fifth and final season with the men’s hockey team. The 25-year-old had opportunities to go elsewhere, but he says he wanted to finish up his education at the Calgary university. “The easiest answer to that is graduating,” he said. “Coming back and getting that degree and then also the guys that Bert (Head Coach Gilling) brought in this year you know they give us a chance to win again.” Wants a banner At the end of the day, winning is what Bouchard really wants. The Cougars have been a great team the last couple of seasons but still have yet to win a banner. The Cougars are off to a 7-1 start this season and Bouchard says winning is what it’s all about. “You’re so close and you’re right there,” Bouchard said. “Even at the nationals, you’re there and then you walk away with nothing and it’s hard.” “Just getting the opportunity to chase that again with a great group and a team that could win is exciting.” ‘Bleeds blue’ Cougars Head Coach Bert Gilling is glad Bouchard made the decision to come back for his final season. He says Bouchard is the perfect captain for this team. “It’s not just good for Cougar hockey,” Gilling said. “He’s like another coach on the ice for us at this point.” “He’s been through it all with me and my staff and our program and he bleeds blue literally.” Best four-and-a-half years Bouchard has been a model of consistency in his time with the Cougars. He’s racked up 181 points in 117 games. Bouchard says being a Cougar has been a privilege. “I talk about the last four-and-a-half years being the best time of my life and it’s about the people,” Bouchard said. “Mount Royal University has a great community and one thing Bert does is he brings in good people.” Gilling, meanwhile, said Bouchard put his roots in the Cougars program. “He’ll be a Hall of Famer some day for Mount Royal Cougars athletics and you know what, how many people get to say that?” Gilling said. “Good on him, and boy, he makes me look like a good coach on most nights.” The Cougars travel to Edmonton this weekend for a two-game series against Grant MacEwan University.
