By scoring four goals, Cormier not only broke a school record, but she became the first player in the Canada West division to accomplish the feat since 2009.
“That felt pretty great,” said Cormier, 21, a forward for the Cougars. “I think that we’ve been waiting for that result for a long time – not just for myself, but for the whole team.”
Before the season started, Cormier was already in the U of R record books in a number of offensive categories. The Regina product’s latest offensive outburst gives her 28 points and 11 goals on her career, moving her closer to the Cougars’ all-time leader in those categories, Jessica Waller (36 points, 18 goals).
“Meagan’s always been a great player,” said Cougars head coach Bob Maltman. “I think in the last year or two, Meagan has matured mentally in her approach to preparation, her own commitment to training, and, as a result, she’s become a very significant leader on our team.”
“She’s the best player to have on your team,” said Kelsey Abstreiter, who has played defence for the U of R for five years. “She can score the goals. I hope she scores five more next time.”
Largely thanks to Cormier’s offensive production – she has scored five of the team’s seven goals this season and added one assist – the U of R jumped out to a 3-0-0 start this season, the best in team history. The team has never made the playoffs.
“It’s good to finally get the wins after working so hard for all these years,” said Sarah Novak, who has played defence for the Cougars for five years. “We’re finishing our goals – as you can tell Meagan has been doing well with that – and I think we’re just meshing better as a team.”
“I think if we keep practicing as strong as we’ve been practicing, it’s a firm possibility that we’ll make the playoffs,” Abstreiter said.
As the Cougars fight for a playoff spot, Cormier knows she has to continue playing an important role.
“As a veteran, I’m trying to be leader on this team,” she said. “I’m working hard to lead everyone and help motivate players who are having an off game or make a mistake.”
