Tonight I decided to have a little fun. I looked at the Cats schedule for 2011-2012 and chose five games that I hope everybody can circle on their calender. These games are in no particular order. My next post will feature the top five games that I am personally most excited about. Here goes:
#5: September 30th - Victoria Royals.
Not only does this mark the home-opener for Prince George, but it also marks the return of Victoria to the Western Hockey League. Fans are no doubT well aware of the fact that Victoria and Prince George have a history together. For those that may not know, Victoria's franchise relocated to Prince George in the mid-90's and has been a pillar to the Prince George community ever since. Add the fact that the C.N. Center will be packed to the rafters and you've got the recipe for a truly special night in Prince George.
#4: Tuesday November 22 - Kootenay Ice.
It's always a thrill to welcome the defending champs to town, and the Cats will do so in late November against the Kootenay Ice. Kootenay is coming off a dream-season which saw them take a fourth-place finish in the Eastern Conference all the way to the Ed Chynoweth cup. The Kootenay Ice will provide the ultimate measuring stick for the Prince George Cougars.
#3: Tuesday, December 6 - Portland Winterhawks
The North/South rivalry reunites in Prince George when the league's most northern franchise (Prince George) lines up against the league's most southern squad (Portland). The Winterhawks have no shortage of talent, and have to be considered one of the favorites in the West. This team could possibly feature the likes of: Nino Niederreiter, Brad Ross, Ryan Johansen Sven Bartschi, Ty Rattie, Joe Morrow and Derek Pouliot. Granted it's unlikely that all of the above mentioned players are in the Western Hockey League this season, but the odds are that any team that wants to win the west in 2011-2012 may have to go through Mike Johnston's Portland Winterhawks.
#2: Wednesday, February 15 - Red Deer Rebels
Should the Edmonton Oilers decide to keep Ryan Nugent-Hopkins in junior for another season, fans in Prince George will have at least one more chance to witness Nugent-Hopkins in a junior uniform. Defenceman Matthew Dumba has been touted very highly by scouts, and should be poised for a strong 17-year-old season. Red Deer will be a tough team to beat this season with or without Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, and either way will be well worth the price of admission.
#1: Saturday, December 17 - Vancouver Giants
Teddy-Bear Toss Night is always a special night and this year it's magnified even more by the fact that one of the Cougars main rivals is in town. The Vancouver Giants are always a threat to do some damage due in large part to the coaching efforts of Don Hay. The G-Men have churned out lots of NHLers in recent years, and could serve as one of the primary obstacles in the way of Prince George and a B.C. Division Title. Yes it's an important night for the good of children, but it's likely going to be equally as important for the Cougars and their push up the standings.
Thoughts?
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1 comment:
A good read Dan! Thanks for the top 5 games to watch, and I love how the Giants game is number 1, not just cause it's teddy bear toss night but cause hey, who doesn't love watching the Cats smoke the Giants?!
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