The Westwood Pub was serving up more than just beer and beef dips Monday night.
Prince George Cougar watch parties have become a staple during the WHL club’s run to the Western Conference Finals with fans coming out in healthy doses to support their team.
While the official watch party is being hosted at the Canadian Brewhouse, other local bars like the Westwood Pub have jumped on board the playoff bandwagon.
During last night’s (Monday) 4-1 loss to the Portland Winterhawks, MyPGNow spoke with the fans on how playoff fever is running rampant throughout the local area.
Kiel Giddens said it’s a nice touch for the hospitality sector to get involved and give fans options to see the games.
“When the community can come together on these away games it’s great. I am so glad that the CN Centre was opened up for watch parties for families – so many of the bars and restaurants are doing the same thing and it’s fantastic for Prince George to be out supporting this team.”
Giddens added the community pride in the team has come back strong this year as a lot more people are wearing team colours in public.
“The Cougars have sold a lot of merchandise this year because I have seen a lot of Cougars sweaters these days and I see a lot of t-shirts from fans proud and wearing team colours and it’s exciting to see people talk about the team and people lining up to buy tickets.”
“This team deserves it. They have had such a great season with great players out there and the community needs this. We need something to rally around and it’s bringing the community together – I brought my kids to the games over the weekend and it was exciting for them. This is something they are going to remember for the rest of their lives.”
Last week, Tourism PG confirmed to MyPGNow.com that 20% of tickets purchased during home playoff games have been snapped up by fans from outside of city limits.
Three of those fans are Jessica and Andrea Hartwig as well as their friend Sally O’Meara who call Vanderhoof home and also attended Monday’s watch party at the Westwood.
Andrea who frequently attends the home games during the regular season with her sister Jessie and Sally stated the buzz in nearby communities including Vanderhoof has also reached a fever pitch.
“Talking to many people in Vanderhoof there is so much support there. We have so many hockey families that love going to the games to watch the Cougars – so I think it shows their excitement and their limit is not only in Prince George.”
Andrea has also noticed a huge uptick in attendance since last season, which has been a very welcomed sign.
“We started getting big into watching the team last season and the amount of fans from the start of last year through to this year with how the team has played has been a drastic change. I think it’s exciting when so many people come out and watch a good playoff run.”
“Getting to watch a game with other people is amazing and it’s amazing that local businesses can gain from it as well. Having a long playoff run is good for the whole community.”
Her sister Jessie echoed those sentiments noting the community support has been nothing short of impressive.
“Everyone is so proud. Proud of this team that is representing all of Northern BC and just want to show them that we are cheering them on and we want them to do well.”
Like many astute fans, Jessie has already noticed the calibre of hockey in this round compared to the previous two has gone up a few notches.
“The biggest thing I have noticed is that we were front row by the glass on Friday and it was so fast – so much faster and such good hockey to watch. I certainly think these guys are better matched and the outcome is more unknown.”
O’Meara on the other hand, who recently moved back to the area from Vancouver said the vibe around the Cougars even at her workplace.
“I work at a dental office and there was this little kid wearing Cougars gear and I was like ‘oh yeah go Cougars’ – it’s fun and I think everyone is getting excited to be supporting this.”
“Over the winter there is not much going on so to come and watch the Cougars and it is such a fun environment and I have enjoyed it. Having the bars play the games if you want to come out there are more people watching and doing that is more fun than sitting at home.”
The Winterhawks lead the best-of-seven Western Conference Final 2-1, with Games Four and Five set for tomorrow and Thursday from the Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Game six if needed, will be played on Monday, May 6th at CN Centre.