Listen Live
Listen Live

Cougars begin preparations for upcoming season

A big year on the ice is expected from the Prince George Cougars this season.

The team took their first steps toward that goal with fitness testing at the Northern Sports Centre on Wednesday.

A lof of the core group of veteran players have taken big steps in their training according to Athletic Therapist, Craig Hyslop.

“Definitely a lot of our players 17 and 18-year-olds and even some of the 19-year olds coming back 10 to 15 pounds of more muscle than last.”

Head Coach, Richard Matvichuk, believes the early testing could prove to be a good indicator for some players wanting to fill roster spots.

“We’ve got some young kids that are coming in here and they’re showing their stuff, the first couple groups have been really successful with guys like Jonas Harkins and Ethan O’Rourke who have put in the work all summer to be ready to go.”

Speaking of Ethan O’Rourke, he fine tuned several facets of his game over the summer.

“Right from the start I worked on having more power and my speed so I can have the ability to keep up with all the players on the ice and power has been the biggest thing so far.”

Training camp starts on Friday with the Black and White game slated for Monday at 7PM from CN Centre.

Something going on in the Prince George area you think people should know about?
Send us a news tip by emailing [email protected].

Brendan Pawliw
Brendan Pawliw
Since moving to Prince George in 2015, Brendan has covered local sports including the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, Prince George Spruce Kings, UNBC Timberwolves, Cariboo Cougars AAA, and Northern Capitals U18 female hockey teams. Career highlights include play-by-play during the Spruce Kings' BCHL championship runs in 2018 and 2019, including the Doyle Cup win. He also covered the 2019 National Junior A Championship, the 2017 Telus Cup, the 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship, and the 2022 BC Summer Games. Brendan is the news voice on 94.3 The Goat and Country 97 FM, reporting on crime, real estate, labour, and environmental issues. Outside of work, he officiates box lacrosse and fastball, sits on the Prince George Sports Hall of Fame board, and co-hosts the Hockey North podcast.

Continue Reading

cjci Now playing play

cirx Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Gizowski and Ravensbergen lead Cougars to dominant shutout victory

There wasn't a whole lot of cheering from the 3573 fans at accesso ShoWare Centre, as the visiting Prince George Cougars blanked the Seattle Thunderbirds 5-0.

Longtime PG community members honoured with Medal of Good Citizenship

It was a special day for two Prince George community members, getting recognition from the province.

City warns of potential garbage collection disruption due to Regional District strike

The Labour Relations Board (LRB) has designated the Foothills Landfill as an essential service, requiring it to remain open five days per week for eight hours per day.

PG RCMP working to identify suspects in tire slashing investigation

The Prince George RCMP are looking to identify the suspects involved in a tire slashing incident on Tuesday.

Kodiaks Boreham named BCFC Coach of the Year

PG fell 45-28 to the Westshore Rebels last Saturday in playoff action.
- Advertisement -