The Prince George Cougars coaching staff played a gutsy move in pairing Ryan Schoettler and Dennis Cholowski as their go-to top-two on the blue line Friday night in Langley.
In the end, they hit the jackpot as each player recorded a goal and an assist, defeating the Vancouver Giants by a score of 2-1 for their fifth win of the 2017-18 season.
FINAL: @PGCougars (2) at @WHLGiants (1)
SCORING ? | https://t.co/NZLc3sNQyM#VANvsPG
— The WHL (@TheWHL) October 28, 2017
On 94.3 the GOAT’s post-game show, Cougars Head Coach Richard Matvichuk says it’s very impressive to see the rookies step up in big moments.
“You got to give Vancouver credit; they’re very skilled team, but once again, our young guys like Schoettler, Sander, and Harkins, really played a fantastic game. They were physical, they kept shots to the outside throughout the game, and the minutes these guys are getting gives them a chance to really mature as players.”
Schoettler opened the scoring near the mid-mark of the first period on a pass from his linemate Cholowski for the early 1-0 lead.
The 18-year-old rookie of the year from last season, along with Jared Bethune, would return the favour on Cholowski’s wrister in the middle of the second stanza, lifting the Cats to a 2-0 advantage after 40 minutes.
Vancouver saw the return of Tyler Benson in a big way; he cut the lead in half with five minutes left in regulation, but the comeback would fall short and Prince George would hang on for the win, thanks to some dying-second saves from their netminder.
“He’s really matured,” says Coach Matvichuk on Tavin Grant’s performance.
“He’s a guy that works and works throughout practice and, quite frankly, he just wants to get better, and it’s becoming a daily routine. It’s a great learning lesson for him; he’s really shown that if you really work that hard every single day, good things will happen.”
Tonight’s Insurance Goal of the Game, was scored by @dcholowski27! Check out more #InsuranceGoals ➡️ https://t.co/TDvsuLrHIq #WHL pic.twitter.com/5778kTXWUx
— PG Cougars (@PGCougars) October 28, 2017
The Cougars now post a record of 5-5-2-2 for 14 points in a tie for second with Kelowna, their next destination on the current seven-game road trip.
Matvichuk says his team’s motive is hard work on the ice, but admits it’s not just the players that have to be prepared for a divisional rival.
“It starts with myself and then it goes through the entire coaching staff. We come to work everyday knowing that if we put in the time, our hard work will pay off in the long run.”
Prince George will clash with the Rockets tonight, 7PM at Prospera Place and with a win, they would take over second place in the BC Division.
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