Listen Live
Listen Live

Rockets blast off against the Cougars to clinch top spot

For the third straight game, the Prince George Cougars led in the third period, but failed to hold on as they dropped a 6-3 decision to the Rockets before 4,561 fans in Kelowna.

The Rockets rallied with five consecutive goals in the first 15 minutes of the final frame to erase a 2-1 deficit, and clinch first place in the BC Division.

It was the sixth consecutive loss for the (23-38-5-4) Cougars.

Third star Taylor Gauthier made 44 saves as Kelowna outshot Prince George 50-18, including 24-5 in the third.

Brogan O’Brien (1G, 1A), Aaron Boyd, and Ryan Schoettler tallied for the Cats, with the O’Brien goal the only one in the second.

Defenceman Cal Foote had two goals and an assist, while his brother and winger Nolan Foote, along with Dillon Dube, notched a goal and an assist for the Rockets.

The 19-year-old Dube had 19 points (six goals) in the season series against Prince George, as the Rockets won six of eight.

It was a penalty-filled final period, which saw a couple of Cougars defencemen ejected, with suspensions looming.

Joel Lakusta took a five-minute major and a game misconduct for checking to the head, while Cameron MacPhee was given a game misconduct for a match attempt to injure.

“We crossed the line and it cost us a hockey game,” said Cougars Associate Head Coach Steve O’Rourke on 94.3 the GOAT‘s post-game show.

He admitted frustrations caught up to his team down the stretch, but was pleased with the overall effort.

“We are in game 70 and have nothing to play for, and these kids came out and competed, hard right to the end, and that’s what we’re asking.

Kelowna went zero-for-eight (0/8) on the power-play, while Prince George was one-for-four (1/4).

Prince George is 21st in the overall standings, two points behind Kootenay and Calgary, and five ahead of last place Edmonton with each team having two games left.

The Cougars wrap up their season with a home-and-home against the Blazers; Friday in Kamloops, and Saturday in Prince George.

The Saturday game at the CN Centre will be Fan Appreciation Night, where in excess of 4,200 tickets have already been sold.

WESTERN HOCKEY LEAGUE:

BC DIVISION STANDINGS:

Kelowna, 70 games = 41-22-5-2 (89 points)
Victoria, 70 games = 39-25-4-2 (84 points)
Vancouver, 70 games = 36-25-6-3 (81 points)
Kamloops, 70 games = 29-36-1-4 (63 points)
Prince George, 70 games = 23-38-5-4 (55 points)

WESTERN CONFERENCE WILD CARD:

Tri-City, 69 games = 36-24-8-1 (81 points)
Seattle, 69 games = 33-26-8-2 (76 points)
Kamloops, 70 games = 29-36-1-4 (63 points)
Prince George, 70 games = 23-38-5-4 (55 points)

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

<p>

- Advertisement -
</p>

Latest News

Website refresh surfaces more of your important local stories

Regular visitors to this website will have noticed some changes to the home page and other templates in recent days.

City launching update for Active Transportation Plan

The City of Prince George is launching an update to its Active Transportation Plan, and is inviting feedback from residents. According to the City, the updated plan will guide the development of infrastructure and programs which support safer, more accessible, and more convenient travel options for people of all ages and abilities. 

Three B.C. First Nations get federal funding for clean energy projects

Three First Nations in British Columbia will receive federal funding for clean energy projects.

RCMP looking to identify suspects in repeated vandalism investigation

The Prince George RCMP are looking to identify suspects in an investigation into repeated vandalism at a residence on the 100-block of McQueen Crescent. According to police, the initial investigation began in late May, when unidentified suspects threw a rock through the front window of the home, and spray painted the front with orange spray paint.

B.C. sharpens claws on exotic cat ownership

British Columbia is moving to ban all exotic cats in the province.
- Advertisement -