Sicamous Eagles alum Damon Cunningham (2022-23) had a solid first season in U SPORTS with the University of Regina Cougars.
Part of a three-goalie tandem, Cunningham logged 1,123:03 minutes over 21 games, earning five wins. The Sturgeon County, Alta., native posted a 4.59 goals-against average and a .866 save percentage.
KIJHL: How did you feel you played in your first season with the University of Regina?
Cunningham: I think, considering where I started and finished, it was a really good year. Getting into more than 20 games was awesome and something I’m very grateful for, especially since rookie goaltenders don’t usually see a lot of playing time.
Balancing school and hockey wasn’t always easy, but I’ve really enjoyed being a student-athlete at this level. The U SPORTS landscape was different this year, with players going to NCAA Division I and others returning from pro, so it was a great measuring stick to see where I’m at and where I can get to. It’s a very high-level league, which makes it a lot of fun to compete in.
My numbers don’t fully reflect how I played as a couple of games, especially early in the season, skewed them. Overall, I learned a lot about what it takes to play at this level.
KIJHL: How did your season in Sicamous help your development and get you to where you are now?
Cunningham: I took a crack at the BCHL in my rookie year and it didn’t work out. Going to Sicamous gave me the opportunity to prove myself and rediscover my game as a goaltender. I knew I wanted to get to the next level, and the coaching staff supported me and gave me every opportunity to do that. I knew I needed to make changes to my game, and Sicamous was the perfect place to do that. Working with goalie coach Travis Hoy was huge for me. He helped me develop my game and identify areas I needed to improve. My approach changed — I took more pride in my attention to detail and my training, both on and off the ice. I’ve carried that mindset with me ever since — always looking for ways to improve and practicing with purpose.
I’m very grateful to Sicamous and the KIJHL for the opportunity. Playing in the B.C. Hockey Conference Prospects Game was a great chance to showcase myself, and shortly after that I received a call-up to the Nipawin Hawks in the SJHL.
