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HomeSportsHart AttackHARTLEY’S HART ATTACK – (Cougars head for the "bubble") March 12, 2021...

HARTLEY’S HART ATTACK – (Cougars head for the “bubble”) March 12, 2021 EDITION 827

With the Prince George Cougars leaving this weekend for the Kamloops “bubble” where they will spend the next several weeks, here are 10 questions regarding the team with the answers to follow.

When do the Cougars play?

The Cougars open their season on Saturday, March 27th against the Kamloops Blazers at the Sandman Centre. They conclude their regular season schedule 47 days later on Wednesday, May 12th against the Blazers. 12 of the Cougars’ 24 games are scheduled either on Friday and Saturday nights or Sunday afternoons. Five games are on Wednesdays, three on Mondays, and two each on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Games in Kamloops and Kelowna begin just after 7:00 pm. Games scheduled on Sundays are at 6:00 pm in both Hub Centres.


Do the Cougars play a balanced schedule within the BC Division?

Yes. The five B.C. Division teams (PG, Kamloops, Kelowna, Vancouver, and Victoria) will each play a 24-game schedule, which includes six games against each opponent. The Cougars play 18 games in Kamloops and six in Kelowna.

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The Cougars schedule is right here.


Will the Cougars and/or the BC Division have playoffs?

That has not yet been announced. If there is some form of playoffs expect it to be brief (and not all teams involved) to help cut down expenses.


How many players are on the roster?

The Cougars roster of 26 players consists of three goaltenders, seven defencemen, and 16 forwards. 17 of the players were with the Cats at the end of the 2019-20 regular season. (Overage defenceman Cole Moberg is not listed on the Cougars roster as he remains with the Rockford IceHogs in the American Hockey League). The roster has 10 rookies, including six 16-year-olds.


What kind of COVID-19 protocols will the Cougars have to go through?

The WHL has implemented an ongoing weekly private PCR testing strategy, with all tests being processed by DynaLIFE Labs out of Edmonton. Enhanced screening for all WHL players, billets, team staff, and officials will take place on a daily basis, including regular temperature screenings as well as symptom monitoring through the WHL Athlete RMS Mobile Application. Masks must be worn by all WHL players at all times with the exception of when participating on ice for games and practices. WHL coaches will be required to wear masks at all times, including while conducting practice and while behind the bench during games.


What happens if a Cougars player or staff member test positive for COVID-19 while in the “bubble”?

If a WHL team has one or more players or staff test positive at any point in the season, the club will be required to suspend activities for a minimum of two weeks.


Who is footing the bill for the Cougars during their extended stay in Kamloops?

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Although the WHL has asked for government assistance, the Cougars ownership is on the hook for the bills that will rack up while on the road.


Are the Cougars games available on radio and TV? 

Yes. Fans can listen to all 24 games on 94.3 The GOAT, and they can watch every game through the newly launched WHL Live on CHL TV. More details available by visiting www.watch.CHL.ca.


Is the (Cougars) Catscan podcast returning?

Yes. Season three of Catscan will begin next week with guest Andy Beasley, the Cougars VP of Business.

Will the Cougars be playing again with fans in Prince George come the fall of 2021?

The expectation is yes, likely starting in October, but with a game at CN Centre about eight months away, there are still no guarantees. The plan, however, is to return to some form of normalcy by that time. Let’s all hope so.

FROM THE QUOTE RACK:

J.J. Watt has gone from being a saint in Houston to being a Cardinal in Arizona.

*Fark.com

Baker Mayfield’s reported UFO sighting reflects the Browns’ upgrade at QB—-Johnny Manziel only saw pink elephants.

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*Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

The Texas Rangers have decided to allow a full stadium at their home opener after Governor Greg  Abbott basically lifted all restrictions, including mask mandates. Good thing the opening day is APRIL 5 because March Madness is already taken.

*Comedy writer Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com

The Minnesota Vikings are turning their practice facility into a community COVID-vaccination site. Hardcore fans are demanding to take their shots downfield.

*Dwight Perry of the Seattle Times http://www.seattletimes.com/author/dwight-perry/


IN CASE, YOU MISSED IT

To salute the Brier, the top five curling songs:
5. Our House;
4. Like a Rolling Stone;
3. Sweet Little Lies;
2. We Will Rock you;
1. Slip Slidin’ Away

*Canadian comedy writer RJ Currie www.Sportsdeke.com

Hartley Miller is the news and sports supervisor and morning news anchor for 94.3 the GOAT and Country 97.
He also is the 94.3 the Goat radio colour commentator for P.G. Cougars home games.
His column appears Fridays on myprincegeorgenow.com.
Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to [email protected]

 

 

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