The Port Hope Predators split a pair of games over the weekend, as they continued their quest to move up the East Division standings.

The Preds started the weekend with a 4-1 win in Lindsay on Friday, Nov. 23. In a game that saw each team tally 21 shots, the difference was in the goaltending as Spencer Finney stopped all but one of the pucks sent his way. Newcomer Garrett Noiles continued to make an impact by notching a goal for his fifth point in as many games with the team. Nik Temple and Tyler Miller each chipped in with two points.

On Sunday, Nov. 25, the Preds travelled to Bowmanville to take on the Eagles, and once again goaltending was the difference. Despite owning a shot advantage of 41-18, the Preds were stymied by Troy Webster in the Eagles net as they lost 3-2. Jesse Stoughton and Chad Dunlop were the lone Port Hope skaters to beat Webster.

The Preds remain in fourth place, seven points behind the third place Peterborough Liftlock Stars.

Elsewhere in Northumberland County, the outlook got bleaker for the Cobourg Cougars as they dropped three games to extend their losing streak to six. They visited Kingston on Thursday, Nov. 22, and suffered a 6-3 defeat at the hands of the Voyageurs. Nik Walsh, Jeff Broekema and Josh Ladouceur all contributed two points in the losing effort.

The team had a chance to bounce back in Quinte, but they fell short in a 6-4 loss to the Pack. Nik Walsh had another two point night while captain Patrick Jobb collected three. Their offensive contributions helped the Cougars to a 4-2 lead going into the third, but the Pack charged back with four unanswered goals in the final frame for the win.

The team returned home to the Cobourg Memorial Arena on Monday, Nov. 26 and hosted the division leading Wellington Dukes. Only Cody Heley and Matt Diminie were able to beat the Wellington goalie as the Cougars lost 5-2 on home ice.

Cobourg remains in last place in the East, seven points behind seventh place Lindsay. They will travel to Port Hope to take on their rival Predators on Friday, Nov. 30.