Training Camp Ends With a Shootout.

The Prince George Cougars wrapped up Training Camp with an exciting Captain’s Intra-Squad game at C.N. Center. Over 600 Cougars fans showed up for an exciting 4-3 shootout victory for Team Hunter over Team Drazenovic. 16-year-old forward Chase Watala had two points for Team Hunter in the victory while Troy Bourke and Nick Buonassisi scored in the shootout.

Taylor Makin opened the scoring at 13:40 of the first period, but Team Hunter quickly countered with a goal from Jake Mykitiuk. Team Drazenovic ended the first stanza with a nice goal from Tayler Thompson. Thompson grabbed the pick in the high-slot and flipped a wrist shot underneath the glove of goaltender Devon Fordyce.

The second period provided little offense, but plenty of chances and saves. Drew Owsley and Brett Zarowny played sharply for Drazenovic while Devon Fordyce and Tyler Santos were equally effective for Team Hunter. The shots were dead-even after 40 minutes at 13-13.

The third period was easily the most exciting as both teams picked up their intensity. Charles Inglis found the back of the net just two minutes into the third period, but Chase Witala put Team Hunter back within one at the 4:03 mark.

Then at 6:30 of the third period, Dan Gibb fired a wrister from the left-point that fooled Zarowny, and the score was tied 3-3.

Team Drazenovic got into penalty-trouble towards the end of the game. Both Josh Smith and Shane Pilling went into the box, but Team Hunter was unable to capitalize. 60 minutes solved nothing, and overtime was needed.

In overtime, Team Hunter thought they had won it when Troy Bourke put the puck in the net in the final minute. Problem was, that he used his hand to do so. The referee signalled no goal, and a shootout was required.

Bourke redeemed himself in the shootout, scoring on the very first shot.

After Carson Bolduc scored for Drazenovic, Nick Buonassisi made a nifty move and beat the goaltender to give Hunter the 2-1 lead in the shootout, and that’s the way it would stay.

The fans were loud and the intensity was exactly what the coaches had hoped it would be.

Now the tough part. More cuts will be made in the upcoming days before the Cougars head to Alberta for their first pre-season games this weekend. Make sure you check back here daily for the latest news and notes involving the Prince George Cougars.

The Cougars next home pre-season game is on September 9th at 7:00. The Cougars will welcome the Edmonton Oil Kings. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.