There is always something “special” about a home opener. Yes, the points count the same as any other regular season game; yes, it’s not the intensity of a playoff game; and yes, in reality it is just a signal of a long grind.
Players, coaches, management and fans are generally excited about the first game on home ice.
At this time of year, there is hope, promise, belief and confidence. How long the feeling continues varies from team to team and city to city.
The Prince George Cougars are as optimistic as ever. They believe they are no longer the team of the future but rather the team of “now”.
The good news is they have started 4-0.
The bad news is they still have 17/18ths of their regular season to be played and no WHL team has ever won a championship in September.
Expectations bring pressure, something good teams welcome. It is far too early to suggest the P.G. Cougars are headed to their first “banner winning” season but for the moment they can enjoy their early accomplishments.
In no particular order, here’s an example of why there is enthusiasm in Prince George as the Cougars get set for their home opener to start a six game home-stand.
# They have won their first four games for the first time.
# The four victories came on the road against BC Division opponents and they did it without arguably their top three players from last season; Jesse Gabrielle, Jansen Harkins and captain Sam Ruopp.
(Gabrielle and Harkins will likely be back with the Cats at some point in October while Ruopp will play this weekend after he was returned to Prince George from the Columbus Blue Jackets).
# The Cougars have yet to trail on the scoreboard and were able to win a high scoring contest in Vancouver 7-6 and a low scoring goaltending battle the next night in Kelowna 2-1. They started with solid 3-1 and 5-1 victories in Victoria against the defending BC Division champion Royals.
# The penalty kill has been superb going 22 for 23.
# Individually, Jared Bethune has taken advantage of a more prominent role with a league-high nine points in four games and is a whopping plus nine. Colby McAuley (4G 3A), Justin Almeida (2G, 4A), Brad Morrison (6A) and Kody McDonald (2G 3A) are all in the top 10 of league scoring.
# Ty Edmonds, in his 4th and final year, is making a statement with a 1.67 G.A.A. and .947 save percentage.
(It should be noted that while Prince George has 4 games under its belt, every other team has played three or less. In addition, many WHL teams, including the Cats, continue to wait for key players to return from NHL camps)
Will these numbers continue? Of course not, but it’s been a fun first week for the Cougars under new coach Richard Matvichuk.
The Cats host Kelowna tonight (Friday) and Saturday. The Rockets are 10-2 in their last 12 visits to CN Centre. In other words, Kelowna loves to spoil the party like they did in 2014 winning 7-2 in the Cougars home opener.
But that was then and this is now.
The Cougars don’t need to worry about putting on a show for the hometown fans.
A simple win (any type) will do.
There is nothing wrong with hype. In fact, it is encouraged.
We don’t know if this really will be a breakthrough year, however, the CHL has noticed the start and ranked Prince George 8th in the country.
The Cougars supporters are advised not to worry about what will happen six months down the road in the playoffs but simply enjoy the moment.
We can all agree as we end September and get ready for October that the positives for this team far outweigh the negatives.
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My wife Brenda and I had a new experience this month as we became grandparents for the first time.
Camden John Harold Heppner was born on Friday, September 23rd at 5:17 p.m. in Prince George.
My daughter Lexine Heppner (nee Miller), her husband Tony and the baby are all doing well.
As for Gramps, well I seem to be the one exhausted!
From the Quote Rack:
Tim Tebow hit a home run in his first swing as a professional—but he wasn’t as successful in his next at-bat when he swung with his eyes open.
Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California
The Dodgers honored Vin Scully and his 67 years of broadcasting. 67 years! Wow! That almost goes back to Jamie Moyer’s rookie season.
Comedy writer Janice Hough of Palo Alto, California www.leftcoastsportsbabe.com
The Donald says that he won the debate on Monday night. That coincides with the Falcons and Saints claiming that “Defense” was the difference in their football game.
Comedy writer TC Chong of Vancouver http://alwaysfunny.com/
And in case you missed it:
L.A. Rams defensive end William Hayes doesn’t believe dinosaurs ever existed. Someone should show him a picture of the Toronto Maple Leafs last Cup-winning team.
Comedy writer RJ Currie www.Sportsdeke.com
Hartley Miller is the sports director and morning news anchor for 94.3 the Goat. He also is the 94.3 radio color commentator for P.G. Cougars home games.
His column appears Fridays on myprincegeorgenow.com.
Send along a quote, note, or anecdote to [email protected]
Follow him on twitter: @Hartley_Miller
Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
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