Cooper Hilworth during an interview on Monday, February 13, 2023. (Photo Courtesy Kevin Kyle)

By Jacob Varcoe

Cubs forward takes home HJHL scoring title

Feb 13, 2023 | 5:04 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Winning a scoring title in a sports league is a prestigious honour that indicates a dominant season. That’s what came to fruition for a Medicine Hat Cubs forward to end the 2022-23 regular season.

Cooper Hilworth won the Heritage Junior Hockey League scoring title, finishing the campaign with 36 goals and 34 assists in 33 games played.

Hilworth is in his fifth and final season with the Cubs. He locked up the scoring title with a dominant five-point performance on Saturday against the Mountainview Colts, also surpassing the 200 career point milestone.

Hilworth suffered an injury that caused him to miss a few games at the beginning of the season, but that didn’t stop him from accomplishing the feat.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

19h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

“It was pretty special, it’s my last year with the Cubs too,” said Hilworth, on Monday.

“It’s nice to go out with a bang.”

Hilworth finished the season four points ahead of his closest competitor for the title. Patrick Forde of the Cochrane Generals finished with 66 points.

The 70-point campaign was a career-high for Hilworth, who had a seven-game point streak snapped in the final game of the regular season. During the streak he scored 11 goals and added six assists.

Medicine Hat finished the regular season with wins in four of their last five games.

“We’ve just got to keep the momentum going, so finishing strong is the best way to do it,” said Hilworth.

“Going into the playoffs we’ve just got to turn it up that little extra notch.”

The Cubs secured a first-round bye for the playoffs and are set to take on an opponent to be announced in the second round.

In 30 career playoff games, Hilworth has posted 19 goals and nine assists. He’ll look to build on those numbers in his final playoff push with the Cubs.