Despite valiant goaltending from Taylor Gauthier, who stopped 56 of 60 shots in the Wednesday night contest against the Regina Pats, the Cougars got caught on special teams.
Prince George allowed one power-play goal and one while short-handed, eventually falling to the 2018 Memorial Cup hosts by a score of 4-1.
Jared Bethune potted the only goal for the Cougars on a short-handed opportunity of his own in the first period; his 17th of the season.
Former Cat Jesse Gabrielle scored the game’s opening goal just 80 seconds in.
The Boston Bruins prospect was traded to Regina, along with Jonas Harkins, on January 5th, and becomes the third ex-Cougar on this six-game East Division swing to score against his former team.
Prince Albert’s Kody McDonald and Swift Current’s Josh Anderson were the other two.
FINAL: @PGCougars (1) at @WHLPats (4)
SCORING ? | https://t.co/8rcfAlHXX3#REGvsPG
— The WHL (@TheWHL) February 1, 2018
On 94.3 the GOAT’s post-game show, Cougars Assistant Head Coach Steve O’Rourke says it’s time for the team to start acting like a team.
“When you’re leading-scorer is getting less than a point per game, there is a give and take. Guys need to step up and that’s what we’re trying to get through. You need to compete in every single shift and stay within our structure to give ourselves and give us chance each night. If if don’t stay in our structure, then we’re not going to win games.”
Prince George drops their record to 18-26-4-4, 13 points out of a playoff spot.
The Cougars move to Brandon to face the Wheat Kings Friday at 5:30PM.
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