The Junior A hockey season is coming down to the wire, and neither the Cobourg Cougars nor the Port Hope Predators are going without a fight.

Port Hope won two games this weekend before dropping a third to the Cougars in Cobourg on Monday night. The four points they amassed in victories over Peterborough (3-1) on Jan. 11 and Wellington (4-1) on Jan. 12 moved the team into sole possession of third place in the East Division. The club now holds a record of 24-11-5 for 53 points, five back of second place Kingston.

The Cougars (12-29-1, 25 points) have only a mathematical shot at a playoff berth with seven games remaining, as they trail sixth place Quinte by seven points, but that hasn't stopped the club from playing hard down the stretch. They earned two victories last weekend, a 4-3 shootout win over Bowmanville on Sunday and their 6-4 home triumph over Port Hope on Monday.

Recently acquired goaltender Troy Webster made an impact for his new team in both games, posting a dominant 44-save performance against his former team in Bowmanville before outdueling Preds newcomer Billy Stone on Monday. His efforts continue to impress Cougars coach Wayne Marchment.

"He has been outstanding," said Marchment of his new goaltender. The coach has been pleased with the numerous moves general manager Perry Bowles has made since he took over. "(Bowles) has made us younger."

Other newcomers are also making an impact, like trade deadline acquisition Kevin Balas, who has scored a goal in each of his two games as a Cougar. Such contributions have Marchment casting an optimistic eye on next season.

"We've been playing pretty well for a while. It's nice to get some (wins). I hope we keep working. These guys have never shown any quit. I'm hoping to keep that going, and that they keep learning for next year."