First star Ty Edmonds was spectacular in net for the Prince George Cougars stopping 49 of 52 shots, but the Cougars only came away with one point in a 4-3 shootout loss to the Calgary Hitmen. It was the 9th straight victory for the Hitmen, who won the shootout 2-1. Calgary outshot P.G. 53-22, including 7-1 in overtime. Zach Pochiro and Brad Morrison each had a goal and an assist for the Cougars who trail Kamloops by two points and third place Vancouver by three in the B.C. Division. Vancouver beat Edmonton 3-1. The (21-32-2-2) Cougars, who have just one win in their last 16 games, visit Medicine Hat Friday, Red Deer Saturday and Edmonton Monday.
–The Prince George Spruce Kings have three road games in as many nights starting this evening when they battle the Rivermen in Langley. The Spruce Kings, winners of three straight, also play Friday in Cowichan and Saturday in Victoria. The (25-20-0-5) Spruce Kings, with eight regular season games left, are four points behind second place Langley and nine back of first place Chilliwack in the BCHL Mainland Division.
–The top two teams in the BC Major Midget League meet in a doubleheader Saturday and Sunday as the first place Cariboo Cougars visit the Vancouver North West Giants. The 28-7-1 Cougars are 8 points ahead of the 23-8-3 Giants and the Giants have two games in hand.
–The UNBC Timberwolves conclude their regular season in Canada West basketball with road games in Kelowna against the UBCO Heat. Tip off goes tonight and Friday. The 10-8 UNBC men have clinched a playoff spot and are tied with TRU for 2nd place in the Explorer Division. The Lady Timberwolves are 2-16 having lost four straight. UBCO is 3-15 in the men’s division & 4-14 in the women’s standings.
–The BC Champions from Prince George are making final preparations for the National Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Moose Jaw. Patti Knezevic, one of 12 rinks in the field, will start play Saturday afternoon against Saskatchewan.
–Athletes start arriving in Prince George today for the 2015 Canada Winter Games. Opening Ceremonies are set for Friday night at 7 at CN Centre with competition to begin on Saturday.
