Cougars Camp - "The Goalies"

The future has never been brighter as far goaltending is concerned for the Prince George Cougars. The management and scouting staff have worked tirelessly through the past three seasons to assemble a cast of young goaltenders who all have the potential to do great things in the Western Hockey League.

Last season it was a foregone conclusion that Drew Owsley was going to lead the Cougars into battle on most nights, but his departure to the University of St. FX means that a golden opportunity has now been presented to four young and talented netminders in the Prince George Cougars system.

DEVON FORDYCE - 1994, Cochrane, AB

It's strange to think that at age 18, Devon Fordyce is the elder statesmen of this current group of goaltenders. Fordyce won the backup job at last year's camp, and spent a full season learning from one of the best in Drew Owsley. Fordyce dressed in 14 games last season for the Cougars, and while his 4.30 GAA and .875 save percentage were probably not to his liking, Fordyce definitely showed that he belongs in the WHL.

TYLER SANTOS - 1994, Sherwood Park AB

Tyler Santos is another signed goaltender in the Prince George Cougars system that has a great opportunity to shine over the next few days. Santos was acquired at the 2010 Trade Deadline in a deal that sent Marek Viedensky to the Saskatoon Blades. Santos split time last season with the Bonnyville Pontiacs of the AJHL and the Knights of Columbus Pats in the Alberta Midget AAA League. It will be an important couple of days for Santos to prove that he can push the likes of Devon Fordyce, Brett Zarowny, and Edmonds for playing time.


BRETT ZAROWNY - 1995 - Edmonton, AB

There is no denying the importance of the 2012-2013 camp for Brett Zarowny. Taken in the 2010 Bantam Draft in the third round, Zarowny has put himself into a strong position to compete for minutes in 2012-2013. Last season's experience playing for the Telus Cup no doubt had a profound impact on his game, and we'll soon find out whether that can translate into a full time WHL gig. His 2.05 GAA and .924 save percentage last season were both impressive totals. Zarowny will be practicing with the veterans throughout camp, and will be facing a lot of pressure from the get-go here in PrinceGeorge.
 
TY EDMONDS - 1996 - Winnipeg, MB

The Prince George Cougars feel they have a keeper in the 16-year-old Ty Edmonds. Edmonds signed a standard WHL contract with the Cougars in January of 2012, and put together an extremely impressive Midget campaign with the Winnipeg Wild. A 1.78 GAA and a save percentage of .916 on a very talented Winnipeg Wild squad.  His playoff numbers were even better with a save percentage at .955 over five starts. Could Edmonds crack the Cougars as a 16-year-old? Stranger things have definitely happened.

WAITING IN THE WINGS:

Matt Kustra - Yorkton, SK (97)
Joshua Shank - Kamloops, BC (97)
Bailey DePalma - Kamloops, BC (97)
Mitchell Traichevich - Dawson Creek, BC (97)