Prince George Cougars forward Ethan Browne finally got the monkey off his back in scoring his first career WHL goal.
However, it was overshadowed by the visiting Portland Winterhawks, who rallied in the final four minutes of regulation to win 4-3 Tuesday night.
Here’s @ethanbrowne01’s first @TheWHL goal from the 2nd period. Great hands, going backhand short side in tight. #WHL pic.twitter.com/JMEaw8kQq8
— Fraser Rodgers (@Fraser_PG) March 7, 2018
Former Cougar Captain Dennis Cholowski tallied two points, both assists, in his return to the Northern capital.
Though he calls the loss a stinger in the dressing room, Prince George Head Coach Richard Matvichuk says he’s happy with his players’ efforts.
“There were times where we competed really hard and we were good, but there were also times where we were caught on our heels looking around and that’s where Portland had their success,” said Matvichuk on 94.3 the GOAT’s post-game show.
“If we would’ve played with more urgency for the entire 60 minutes, we would’ve had a chance tonight. That being said though, we’ll take some credit for our play against a great hockey team and one of the best in the league right now.”
The Winterhawks notched the game’s first two goals for a 2-0 lead, but Houston, BC native Josh Maser and Browne would bring the score to even par 2-2 late in the second period.
Both Prince George goals came 18 seconds apart; Maser’s was his team-leading 27th of the season.
.@joshmaser88 scores his team-leading 27th goal of the season; cuts @pdxwinterhawks’ lead 2-1 on the @PGCougars | #CityOfPG #Sports @mypgnow pic.twitter.com/RbXm2ykvrg
— Kyle Balzer (@KyleBalzer) March 7, 2018
Browne describes the feeling of watching the goal-lamp light up for the first time.
“I’m really happy about it because I’d never thought I could score against Portland. I just got on the forecheck, got on the puck, and lost it for a bit. Luckily though, [Vladislav] Mikhalchuk was there to help set me up.”
Portland’s Skyler McKenzie would regain the lead three minutes into the third, his 43rd of the year, but former ‘Hawk Ilijah Colina answered 51 seconds later to tie the contest at 3-3.
The visitors would seal the win late in the frame, handing the Cougars their 35th loss.
Prince George falls to 23-35-4-4 with six games left in the regular season.
Both clubs will meet again for the last time in 2017-18 tonight, 7PM at the CN Centre.
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