Cougars hit the win column taking round one against the Royals

A late goal from rookie Riley Heidt with just over four minutes left in regulation sparked the Prince George Cougars to a 3-1 victory over the Victoria Royals before 1,828 fans Saturday night at CN Centre.

The 16-year-old Heidt leads the team in scoring with seven points (two goals) in four games.

His goal snapped a 1-1 tie and in the final minute, Fischer O’Brien added an empty–netter.

Missed last night’s fun? Check out our highlights from Saturday’s 3-1 win.#NorthernUprising | #WHL

? https://t.co/mQwRF94FAe pic.twitter.com/aBcJCMUXvp

— PG Cougars (@PGCougars) October 17, 2021

Neither team scored in the first period despite a total of nine power-plays, (five for Victoria and four for P.G.).

Tanner Scott tallied for the Royals in the middle frame to give Victoria a 1-0 lead.

Captain Jonny Hooker scored eight minutes later to tie the game 1-1 after 40 minutes.

Hooker has scored in all four of the Cougars games.

Defenceman Viliam Kmec had a pair of assists and was named the first star.

Taylor Gauthier made his second start and stopped 22 of 23 shots.

It was the first win of the season for the (1-3) Cougars while the (1-5) Royals have dropped four straight.

Due to injury and illness, Victoria only dressed 15 skaters, two under the limit.

The same teams play again this afternoon (Sunday) at 2:00 in Prince George.

The Cougars and Royals also meet next weekend in Victoria (Oct 22-23) before returning for another doubleheader at CN Centre (Oct 26-27).

Boxscore

GAME SUMMARY

Scoring
Cougars: Jonny Hooker, Riley Heidt (GWG), Fischer O’Brien (EN)
Royals: Tanner Scott

Goaltending
Cougars: Taylor Gauthier, 22/23, 60:00
Royals: Tyler Palmer, 29/31, 58:57

Power–Play
Cougars: 0/6
Royals: 0/7

Shots
Cougars: 32
Royals: 23

Three Stars: 1) Viliam Kmec 2) Jonny Hooker 3) Taylor Gauthier

Some shutouts, a shootout, and more for your Saturday.#WHLScores pic.twitter.com/i44vknLmUv

— The WHL (@TheWHL) October 17, 2021

With files from Fraser Rodgers