MacGregor's Tamara McVannel's been named the University of Regina Cougars' Defensive Player of the year.

"I had a pretty good season," says McVannel. "I got my first goal this year and played a lot, so I was really happy."

The former Central Plains Capital is in her second year with the Cougars. She signed with the club for the 2015-16 season after winning the Manitoba Female Midget Hockey League Championship with the Caps the previous season.

"At the start of my season it was a huge jump from MFMHL," says McVannel. "Just with the physical size of the girls we played against, as well as the speed, but as the year went by I felt a lot more comfortable. By this year I totally felt like I belonged, so it was really good."

McVannel finished the season with 11 points, two goals and nine assists. She's kept up her physical play at the University level, and says she's also brought more of an offensive punch to her game. She's really enjoying her studies in Kinesiology and hopes to go into physiotherapy when completed.