Goalie Jason LaBarbera of Prince George will start the hockey season in the minors. The Anaheim Ducks have farmed the 34-year-old Labarbera to Norfolk of the AHL.
–Brett Connolly of Prince George is still in the running for a spot on the Tampa Bay Lightning. The 22-year-old Connolly is one of 14 forwards listed on the Lightning roster.
–Prince George Cougars linemates Chase Witala and Jansen Harkins, with 9 points each in 7 games, are in the WHL top 15 of scoring. The Cougars host Lethbridge Wednesday.
–Three Prince George Spruce Kings are in the top 10 of BCHL scoring. Justin Rai (Rye) is 2nd with 14 points, including 8 goals, just a point behind former PG minor hockey product Liam Blackburn of the West Kelowna Warriors. Blackburn has committed to play at the University of New Hampshire next year. Chad Staley (4 + 6) and Jeremiah Luedtke (3 + 7) are in a large group tied for 7th with 10 points. The Spruce Kings host Langley Thursday & Friday.
–The Northland Dodge Northern Cougars Female Midget AAA team shutout the Kootenay Wildcats in three league games that were played in Prince George. The Cougars skunked the Wildcats 7-0, 6-0 and 4-0 over the three days.
–The Northland Dodge Cats share first place in the league with the Fraser Valley Phantom, who are coming to PG for 3 games Oct. 17-19.