Foster returns, Cougars eye improvement

Now back with the Cougars, Foster believes he is returning with confidence and a renewed focus.

“I feel like with my game where it’s at now, I’m feeling the best I have in my junior career. So, I mean, I’m trying to be a big presence. I want to be a 200 foot player for the team.

As one of the team’s veteran players, Foster is also embracing a larger leadership role following the departure of several key veterans during the offseason.

“I feel like when I was younger, you kind of just look back at those guys like Thornton and Heidt, what those guys did for you. So I feel like coming in now, being that older guy, you just kind of want to be that guy in the room with the younger guys, make them feel comfortable and just kind of lead by example on and off the ice.”

Assistant coach Carter Rigby identified discipline as a major area for improvement after last weekend’s split.

“Yeah, I think for sure. Penalty trouble. You know, too much. Too much time in the box for our group.”

Rigby added that special teams opportunities often stem from playing the game the right way at even strength.

“We got to make sure that we’re playing five on five hockey and you know, we’re working hard to draw the penalty. So we’re on the other side of things on the power play.”

One bright spot has been rookie forward Tre Peck, who scored his first two WHL goals during the home opener.

“Just thankful for the opportunity and end up working out. Hopefully we can just keep it going. Moving forward and, you know, solid weekend from us. But we know we got more and are just ready to go for next week.”

Peck echoed Rigby’s assessment of what the team needs moving forward.

“Honestly I would just say consistency. I think that we know that we’re a good hockey team and all the guys work. So it’s just one of those things where we just got to get going and dial into the details.”

With Foster back in the lineup, Peck finding his offensive touch, and lessons learned from a split weekend, the Cougars now turn their attention to the road, looking to put together a more complete effort and climb the standings.

by Stephen Lewyta

Foster returns, Cougars eye improvement

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