For the first time in the 2024-2025 season, the Prince George Cougars are in the win column, picking up a 3-1 win over the Spokane Chiefs.
Last night’s crowd of 3,794 at the CN Centre were treated to a much better game from the Cats, following Friday’s overtime loss to the Chiefs.
Carlin Dezainde scored the eventual game winner, sneaking the puck past rookie netminder Carter Esler from a sharp angle.
Dez cellys never dissapoint ✋👂@CarlsJrCA https://t.co/IXRKbncMId pic.twitter.com/9Hej3SEtjp
— Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) September 22, 2024
“I thought we had a little bit more rhythm,” said Cougars Head Coach and GM Mark Lamb on last night’s post game show on 94.3 the Goat.
“It was a tough sledding game from down here both ways, and we did enough to win, the powerplay came through.”
The Cougars’ powerplay went 2/3 on the night, with Jett Lajoie’s tying marker and Matteo Danis’ insurance goal coming with the man advantage.
2 games, 2 goals for Matteo!@CarlsJrCA https://t.co/JawcLw5wnl pic.twitter.com/vsrIyZ8Y74
— Prince George Cougars (@PGCougars) September 22, 2024
The penalty kill was outstanding as well, not allowing a single powerplay goal against on three tries last night, and eight tries on the whole weekend.
Both teams had short benches as several key players from each side are still at training camps.
Ephram McNutt was outstanding for the Cougars last night, picking up an assist and putting 11 shots on goal.
“He was good last night too, he’s really coming around and he’s feeling it,” Lamb said.
“The work ethic, and he was hitting and the energy he put into this game was amazing.”
The full box score can be found here.
With the first weekend in the books for this WHL season, the Cougars are 1-0-1-0, and are sitting third in the WHL’s Western Conference, and second in the BC Division behind the Vancouver Giants. (2-0)
The full WHL standings can be found here.
The Cougars hit the road for a five-game road swing, starting in Vancouver on Friday.
The full Cougars schedule can be found here.
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