One assist shy of the Gordie Howe hat-trick!
That was Prince George Cougars’ 17-year-old forward Max Kryski Friday night, who catapulted his team in the first period with two goals and a fight, leading to a 4-2 victory against the Kamloops Blazers.
Goaltender Isaiah DiLaura earned his third victory of the season with a 51-save performance in the last road game of the 2017-18 season.
On 94.3 the GOAT’s post-game show, Cougars Associate Head Coach Steve O’Rourke says the line of Kryski, Ilijah Colina, and Vladislav Mikhalchuk set the tone early.
“Max had a good jump tonight and he’s always a good at a 200-foot play-maker and did a good job up in front. Overall those guys were solid for us tonight with playing against some big boys the Blazers have on the other side.”
FINAL: @PGCougars (4) at @blazerhockey (2)
SCORING ? | https://t.co/7FYReBAqVD#KAMvsPG
— The WHL (@TheWHL) March 17, 2018
Kamloops got the game’s first goal less than four minutes in, but Prince George responded with three unanswered goals.
Kryski got the first and third goals for the Cougars making it 1-1 and 3-1 respectively; rookie Rhett Rhinehart scored his 3rd goal of the year in between.
Fort St. John native Austin Crossley potted the insurance goal in the second period on a rocket from the blue line to make it a 4-1 lead for the visitors.
Kamloops tried to muster a comeback in front of a crowd of more than 4,200 on Fan Appreciation Night at the Sandman Centre, but only one goal got past DiLaura.
Jared Bethune and Colina would compile a two-point nights of their own with a pair of helpers, alternating on each marker.
The win puts the Cougars’ record up to 24-38-5-4 who will look to finish strong in the BC Division.
#WHLThreeStars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 16, 2018 pic.twitter.com/utfNBT6Sqc— The WHL (@TheWHL) March 17, 2018
O’Rourke says the final game of the year will be a physical game as both teams will be playing for pride.
“Hopefully we get that energy that comes from the crowd who feeds off of us and supports us. It helps us overcome the mental aspect and the changes made with those trades back in January. This is always an opportunity to showcase themselves in front of the fans and prove to them that we’re a great team.”
Prince George’s last game of the 2017-18 regular season goes for tonight, 7PM at the CN Centre matching up once again with Kamloops.
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