For the first time in more than a decade, Squamish will have juvenile hockey in its minor hockey system this season.

The Squamish Cougars, made up of 18- to 20-year-olds, will hit the Brennan Park ice each and every Monday night at 9 p.m. Team member Nick Lowe said the boys are excited to continue playing hockey.

"A lot of the guys can't wait to get back on the ice and play competitive hockey again," he said.

Lowe said he's not sure why it's been so long since Squamish has had a juvenile team, noting that once midget is over, many players move on to other things or leave town.

"But I knew a lot of guys that missed hockey and wanted to keep playing," he said.

According to Lowe, Tim Knight of the Squamish Minor Hockey Association (SMHA) approached him during a drop-in hockey session at Brennan Park and encouraged him to put together a team.

"I got right on it and contacted as many people as I knew that would be dedicated and wanted to play again and it's worked out pretty well," he said.

The team is now made up of 14 players and group is looking to add two or three from Whistler. The first regular season game for the Cougars takes place on Monday (Oct. 8) and Lowe encouraged anyone and everyone to check out the games.

For more information on the SMHA, visit www.squamishminorhockey.com.