The Cariboo Cougars began their quest to repeat as BC Major Midget Hockey League Champions with a lopsided 9-1 thrashing over the Thompson Blazers on Friday.
After going up 1-0 after 20 minutes, Cariboo exploded with back-to-back four goal outings in the final two periods led by captain Mason Richey who had two goals and one assist followed by rookie forward Paul Hauk who also had a two-goal game.
Vernon Viper prospect Hunter Floris showed his dominance once again with a four point effort while Craig MacDonald collected three assists.
Thompson goaltender Ethan Langenegger was chased from the net after allowing five goals after two periods.
The Cougars were the only heavily-favoured team to win during the opening night of the playoffs as the Valley West Hawks fell 4-3 to the VNE Chiefs and the VNW Giants upended the Okanagan Rockets 5-4.
Cariboo leads the best-of-three quarter-final series 1-0 with game two set for Saturday at 4PM at Kin 1.
Our Reg Dunlop Player of the Game was Paul Hauk who picked up a pair of goals in our 9-1 win this evening.
Way to go Paul. pic.twitter.com/M4Uhgg4nBQ
— Cariboo Cougars (@cariboocougars) March 17, 2018