Jesse Gabrielle notched a hat trick to lead the Prince George Cougars to a 4-2 victory over the Victoria Royals before 2,842 fans at CN Centre.
Gabrielle has a team leading 16 goals in just 22 games.
Linemate Jansen Harkins assisted on all three to give him a team leading 29 points in 22 games.
Colby McAuley tallied the winner late in the second period.
It was the 4th straight home win for the Cougars who improved to 13-1 against the B.C. Division.
Both teams failed to score on the power play with Victoria 0-for-9 and P.G. 0 for 6.
The (20-6-2) Cougars continue their 7-game home-stand when they host the Royals again Saturday.
Prince George has opened up an 11-point lead over Kelowna and Kamloops in the division and the Cats remain two points behind (20-3-4) Everett in the Western Conference.
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Prince George Cougars defenceman Brendan Guhle did not play Friday because he was recalled by the Buffalo Sabres on an emergency basis.
Guhle will suit up for the Sabres in their home game Saturday (10 a.m. Pacific) against the Boston Bruins.
Photo credit: Prince George Cougars and Brett Cullen Photography