The Portland Winterhawks Booster Club was loud and proud despite a pair of losses to the Prince George Cougars.
They made the 22-hour trek up north for Tuesday and Wednesday’s games against the Cougars.
It was the first trip to the northern capital in two years after going through Alberta last year.
Booster Club President, Stuart Kemp says the northern hospitality is second to none.
“We came to Prince George a couple of years ago and it was phenomenal. The northern hospitality is without a doubt the best you’ll ever find in the Western Hockey League and if you have not been to a Prince George game, you just haven’t met the hospitality here.”
The city is on the top of the Booster Club’s list for one simple reason. “As soon as we got the schedule they called us right away and asked how they can make our stay much better, that’s a major reason why we love coming here,” says Kemp.
Prince George quickly became a desirable spot for Kemp and company shortly after the New Ice Age ownership group bought the Cougars.
“A couple of years ago they had just started the New Ice Age and the new ownership group came here and started the new laser light show plus the hospitality was just incredible and resonated with us, even when we went through Alberta I saw some things I hadn’t see in 20 or 30 years. Bus trips are infrequent now because people can watch these games for just 7 or 8 bucks and why would then spend a a couple thousand dollars to go on a road trip. The difference is when you see these games live you get to interact with the fans and see how these players are and that’s why you can’t match an experience like it. You have to be at a live game to really fully appreciate it.”
Over 40 members made the trip including a 91 year old.
The Cougars won 4-3 on Tuesday and followed it up with a 6-5 shoot-out victory on Wednesday.
The Winterhawks Booster Club departs Prince George Thursday and will make stops in Kamloops and Kelowna before heading home on Sunday.