Listen Live
Listen Live

Cougars end losing skid with authority

The Prince George Cougars scored at even strength, on the power play, shorthanded, on the penalty shot, and twice while four-on-four in a convincing 6-2 triumph over the Vancouver Giants.

It was a completely different kind of game from the night before where the Giants posted a 5-3 Friday win.

On Saturday, before 2,943 fans, the Cougars played a complete 60-minute game to snap a five-game losing streak.

“We came out tonight right from the drop of the puck and we decided to work, and that was the difference in the hockey game,” said Cougars Head Coach Richard Matvichuk on 94.3 the GOAT’s post-game show.

Prince George enjoyed period leads of 2-1 and 3-2 and outshot Vancouver 34-24.

It was a much needed confidence booster for the Cats.

“Definitely helps our overall team going into practice; we are going to have a better room, just be more happier. Everyone is going to be looking forward to it, just hoping to do the same against Kootenay,” said Cougars
second-year defenceman Ryan Schoettler.

Brogan O’Brien snapped a 2-2 tie midway through the second period on a penalty shot.

O’Brien was hauled down  by Alex Kannok-Liepert on a breakaway with his team shorthanded.

Aaron Boyd and Ethan O’Rourke both scored with each team a man short, just 18 seconds apart, late in the second period.

Jared Bethune, Josh Curtis, and Joel Lakusta all tallied in the third.

Bethune added two assists, the only player with three points.

Ex-Cougar Brad Morrison had both goals for the 12-13-2-2 Giants.

Rookie Taylor Gauthier was superb in the PG net with 22 saves, including a pair of breakaway stops on Morrison, the first one just 70 seconds into the game.

The win keeps the 10-14-2-2 Cougars two points back of the Kamloops Blazers and moves them four points behind 3rd place Vancouver in the BC Division.

The Blazers won their game 2-1 over the Thunderbirds in Seattle.

The 12-15-1 Kootenay Ice, who lost 5-2 Saturday in Kelowna, will play at the CN Centre Tuesday when the Cougars continue a five-game home-stand.

WATCH:

Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Hartley Miller
Hartley Miller
Hartley is the News Director for Vista Radio’s B.C. North division, as well as the morning news anchor for 94.3 The GOAT and Country 97FM. He has served as the colour commentator for Prince George Cougars home games for 12 seasons. Hartley has been a fixture on the airwaves since 1979. He is the author of You Don’t Say, a collection of his most memorable sports quotes. Hartley is married with two children and four grandchildren.

Continue Reading

cjci Now playing play

cirx Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Hartley’s Sports Shorts; Friday, July 11th

Special Olympics BC Summer Games: The 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games in Prince George officially began with the opening ceremonies last night (Thursday) at CN Centre.

Measles cases reported in B.C. this year top 100

B.C.’s health officials have said 102 cases of measles have been reported across B.C. so far this year, with most of those in the Northern Health region.

Measles cases reported in B.C. this year top 100

B.C.’s health officials have said 102 cases of measles have been reported across B.C. so far this year, with most of those in the Northern Health region.

Fraser Lyric Opera hosting concert featuring youth and adults

Fraser Lyric Opera is hosting a concert this weekend at Prince George's Knox Performance Centre.

OCP coming back to the Council with reports on proposed changes

Prince George City Council will take the next steps on the Official Community Plan (OCP) at Monday's meeting.  This comes after public hearings that were held on March 19th and April 9th, where the public had opportunity to comment on a draft OCP. 
- Advertisement -