Nearing the midway point of the OJHL season, Cobourg Cougars fans are voicing frustration over a start that has left the team 11th out of 12th in the East Division with just seven wins in 26 games.
Historically, the Cougars have been playoff contenders, and are only two seasons removed from an appearance in the conference final.
Fans say this year’s team bears little resemblance to the squad they have supported for years. One long-time supporter shared their thoughts.
Concerns go far beyond just losing games. Multiple coaching changes, questionable player trades and alleged management missteps have left community volunteers and fans disillusioned.
This fan also described shared their frustration with ownership and coaching instability.
According to sources close to the team, two coaches allegedly left over pay disputes and some long-time players have been traded or called up elsewhere. Supporters have also noted the decline in community engagement, citing the absence of traditional fundraisers like the Pink in the Rink and military appreciation nights.
In an exclusive interview with NorthumberlandDaily.ca, Owner Max Wang says rumours that coaches were unpaid are just not true and former staff allegedly continue to try to influence the team.
Wang says his dedication to players and the organization has not changed. He says he continues to provide equipment and financial support for players in need and is working with new coaches to stabilize the team.
Wang adds that he wants to help ‘every real hockey player play hockey’, and ‘just focus hockey, hockey, hockey, practice, work hard, that’s it’.
Wang acknowledges the challenges but asks fans to give him and the new coaching staff time to rebuild. He insists the team is committed to improving on-ice performance and maintaining a positive environment for players, noting that some departures were due to individual decisions.
Another fan says while they remain concerned, they continue to support the team, hoping that changes behind the bench and increased stability will eventually return the Cougars to the form that once made them a perennial contender in the OJHL.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)