The classic cars may have stolen the pre-game tailgate, but it was a European import that saved the home-opening show.
Prince George Cougars’ rookie Matej Toman potted the game-winning goal in the third period, hanging on for a 3-2 victory over Kelowna before a crowd of more than 3,100.
The 17-year-old from the Czech Republic broke a 2-2 tie just before the nine-minute mark of the final frame, ricocheting off a Kelowna defenceman and into the open cage.
Game-winning goal, excellent on the PK and the team belt. What a home debut for @TomanMatej! #CzechMate pic.twitter.com/f8bffngZ8H
— PG Cougars (@PGCougars) September 29, 2018
On 94.3 the GOAT‘s post-game show, PG Head Coach Richard Matvichuk believes it’s not often you get a player who enjoys every minute of the day on and off the ice.
“I knew just from watching him at the Hlinka-Gretzky Cup in Edmonton that he’s just a very smart, 200-foot player and as you can see, the way he kills penalties, he just sees the ice really well. You can tell he loves to be here [in Canada and in Prince George], he’s fitting in really well, and we couldn’t be more happy to have him.”
Ilijah Colina and Ethan Browne scored the opening goals for the Cougars, both in the first period within 45 seconds of each other.
Browne was named the game’s first star with two points (1G, 1A).
This was the second game in a row the Cats grounded the Rockets, having won 4-2 at Prospera Centre two nights earlier, improving their record to 2-1-0-1.
Prince George and Kelowna face-off for a third time in four days tonight, 7PM at the CN Centre.
The Cruisin’ Classics and Overdrive Car Clubs transported the players to the arena prior to the game.
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