Box Score
Calgary, AB - Friday night Mount Royal will say goodbye to five players that have helped transform the men's hockey program into the national power that it is today. Four of the five young men graduating from the Cougars were a part of the same 2011 recruiting class that helped bridge the gap from the ACAC to CIS. Without their contributions and hard work the Cougars would not have the depth and capability to compete at such a high level.

Head Coach Bert Gilling was very high praise for his senior class and offered these sentiments. "Overall this is a very strong group of student-athletes who have all been outstanding ambassadors of Mount Royal University.  Cougar Hockey thanks them all for their contributions on and off the ice and look forward to getting started in the playoffs." 

Jeff Barrett
Forward Men's Hockey
2011-12 to 2014-15

Jeff spent three full seasons with the Okotoks Oilers of the AJHL before making the jump to university hockey. He put up 100 points in three seasons with Okotoks before his debut with the Cougars.

During his stay at Mount Royal, Jeff established himself as a dependable top six forward who could put points on the board but was equally responsible in his own end. His 26 points in 28 games during his rookie season was his best as a Cougar.

"It was tough to lose Barry this last semester.  He established himself as an impact winger for our program who competed hard without the puck and had a good skill level with the puck.  His size was an asset and was able to play in different situations for our team." - Bert Gilling

Tyler Eskesen
Forward Men's Hockey
2011-12 to 2014-15

After playing four years across the AJHL and the WHL, Tyler played his final season at home in Calgary for the Mustangs. In his final season, the smooth skating forward put up 40 points and earned himself a scholarship from the Cougars.

In four seasons at Mount Royal, he provided the Cougars with a lot of quality minutes as an energy forward and penalty killer. He has shown a lot of versatility, being able to play every forward position.  Tyler is a great locker room guy who is well liked by teammates and fellow students alike. Tyler is going to be successful in any endeavour he chooses.

"Eskey is one of our most experienced forwards who provides a lot of energy both on the ice and in the locker room.  His skating ability has fit in with our style of trying to push the pace.  He is a dedicated student as well who has been very diligent in his classroom performance as well."  - Bert Gilling
 
Tyler Jewitt
Forward Men's Hockey
2011-12 to 2014-15

Tyler came to the Cougars after a stellar career in the AJHL where he racked up 59 points in 60 games for the Camrose Kodiaks. In his first two seasons with Mount Royal, Tyler had 29 and 23 points respectively.

This season Tyler's game has evolved into one of the finest all-around games in the conference. He is one of the team's best penalty killers and has provided some timely secondary scoring, including a game-tying goal on Jan. 23 against the nation's top team from Alberta. Tyler scored with 12 seconds left to send the game to overtime, where the Cougars eventually won.

"Tyler has been a key member of our forward group this year.  He is a highly respected teammate who can be counted on to do the right thing on and off the ice.  This season he has been counted on as a dependable center who can win face-offs, contribute on the power play and is also one of our best penalty killers."  â€" Bert Gilling

Ben Scott
Forward Men's Hockey
2010-11 to 2014-15
2010-11 ACAC Champion

In 2010-11 Ben came to the Mount Royal Cougars after a junior career that included stops in Summerland, Alberni Valley, Penticton and Calgary. In 2010-11 he was a part of the Cougar's team that beat the SAIT Trojans in one of the most memorable games in Alberta college history to win the ACAC title.

Ben's impact in the Mount Royal community is second to none. He is the leader of several on-campus groups and is the first person to volunteer his time for any and every imitative that comes his way. Everyone, whether it be his teammates or fellow students has the utmost respect him. The intention of Cougar Athletics is to shape not just the highest quality athletes but the highest quality citizens. Ben Scott is the benchmark for what Cougar athletes should aspire to.

"Also a Captain and one of the most respected players among his peers, faculty and administration.  He is a world class human being and is an inspirational leader for our hockey program.  Through his work ethic and desire he has contributed on the ice as a reliable defender who has a good feel for the game.  I cannot say enough good things about Ben.  Quite frankly, he is one of the finest people I have ever had the chance to work with in hockey."  - Bert Gilling

Matt Strong
Forward Men's Hockey
2011-12 to 2014-15

Matt's journey through junior hockey was an adventurous one. He played for six junior programs in the AJHL, the WHL and the OHL. It wasn't until he landed in Okotoks that Strong asserted himself as a dependable and physical defenceman. In his final season with the Oilers he had 19 points and racked up 110 penalty minutes.

At MRU, he has logged a lot of minutes for the Cougars over his four years, most of which he could be found battling in the corners or in front of the net. Matt's development and growth at Mount Royal went beyond the rink. This past season Matt set out to help former teammate Cody Smuk, who is battling cancer. With help from former teammates and community members, the hockey community has raised over$33,000 dollars for Smuk.

"Matt is one of our Captains and is a professional in all sense of the word.  Matt has great size and athletic ability.  He has become a reliable defender and uses his size to his advantage.  An outstanding student, Matt is bound to be a success in whatever path he chooses in life."  - Bert Gilling