Last night was a weird night.
It was another one of those nagging reminders of how cruel the sport of hockey and sports in general can be sometimes. It would be easy to look at the box score and see a 5-1 Kamloops final and assume that the BC Division leading Blazers took it to the fifth place Cougars rather easily.
Wrong.
Let me preface these thoughts by first saying that I'm not taking anything away from the Kamloops Blazers. They earned their breaks, they took advantage on their opportunities, and ultimately earned the two points against Prince George. They're a first place team for a reason and this piece is not going to cry foul on their part whatsoever.
That being said, sooner or later the Prince George Cougars players, coaches, and fans (don't forget broadcasters) have to wonder out loud, "When is the other shoe going to drop." When are things going to start going our way?
The Prince George Cougars were awesome in the first period. They took it to Kamloops and out-chanced, out-hit and out-performed the BC Division's top statistical team.
Early in the second period the Blazers strike on a two-on-one where Tim Bozon essentially passed the puck to himself after his attempted pass goes off Jesse Forsberg's stick and right back to him. Bozon was awesome for Kamloops, but surely even he'd admit that luck was on his side when his pass found it's way directly back to him.
Even with the 1-1 score, the Cougars respond well, continue to push hard, and unfortunately can't bury on their opportunities in Period Two. Fast forward to the end of the second when an innocent shoot-in by Marek Hrbas turns into disaster for Prince George.
The puck bounces off the glass and hits the Cougars goal-post and right to the stick of Brendan Ranford who knocks it in to make it 2-1.
If you're the Prince George Cougars, how could you not be demoralized by such poor misfortune. You've carried the play. You've been peppering Cole Cheveldave with quality shots all night, and then you head into the intermission down 2-1 after 40 minutes ultimately becauase of a freak-bounce off the glass.
Shortly after the 2-1 goal, the Cougars got into penalty-trouble, which greatly contributed to their demise in the third period when the penalties continued. A couple more power play goals and ultimately the game is over at 5-1.
The beautiful thing about this situation is that there's another chance. Fortunately for the Cougars they have a chance to put last night's bad luck behind them and get things going again tonight against Kamloops.
Last weekend after a 4-2 loss, Dean Clark's team responded very well on Saturday and defeated Don Hay's Vancouver Giants. There is no reason why the same can't be done tonight.
If the Cougars continue their strong work-ethic, puck-luck is certain to come their way. Sooner or later the shots are going to start going in, and I've always maintained that once this team has a big offensive night, the goals are going to start coming in bunches. A little bit of confidence can go a long way in this league.
This team deserves your support, and they deserve better than what their record indicates. Tonight for the first time they'll have a full-lineup going for them, and an opportunity to showcase their true potential against a rival opponent.
I've been fired up for this game since the second I woke up this morning and I anticipate an enjoyable night tonight at CN Centre between two BC Division Rivals with no love loss for one another. Here's hoping you can make Cougars hockey a part of your Saturday night in one way shape or form.
See you at the rink.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
Nov 4 Photos
All Photos By: Julie Larson
Caleb Belter Was a Goal Short of Gordie Howe Hat Trick.
Campbell Elynuik Played A Strong Game.
Reid Jackson scored his First as a Cougar tonight.
Jesse Forsberg Tees Up.
Caleb Belter Was a Goal Short of Gordie Howe Hat Trick.
Campbell Elynuik Played A Strong Game.
Reid Jackson scored his First as a Cougar tonight.
Jesse Forsberg Tees Up.
Blazers 5 - Cougars 1
Friday in Prince George, the Prince George Cougars fell 5-1 to the Kamloops Blazers. Brendan Ranford and Tim Bozon each scored twice and Cole Cheveldave made 35 saves for the victory.
The Cougars led 1-0 after one when Reid Jackson tallied is first goal as a member of the Prince George Cougars. Jackson received a pass from Caleb Belter, and he let a low shot go from the top of the left circle that beat Cheveldave to give the Cats the lead. For Jackson it was his first goal in a Cougars uniform.
The Cougars continued to keep the pedal down, and outplayed Kamloops through 20 minutes.
Kamloops tied the score at 1:30 of the second when Tim Bozon beat Owsley on a two-on-one. Both teams then went back and forth with both goaltenders making a series of money saves. The Cougars were pressing for a majority of the period, and came close a number of times.
Late in the period the Blazers got lucky when Marek Hrbas shot a puck off the glass that bounced oddly off a stanchion and hit the goal-post on Owsley who was out of position. Owsley dove frantically to get back at the puck, but couldn’t get there before Brendan Ranford who knocked home his first of two on the night.
That goal deflated the Cougars who then got themselves into penalty trouble. The Blazers scored two power play goals (Colin Smith and Tim Bozon) in the third period, and added a short-handed marker from Brendan Ranford to round out the scoring.
The Cougars outshot Kamloops 36-34, but finished zero-for-four on the power play while Kamloops finished two-of-five.
With the win, Kamloops improves to 12-4 and have taken two of three from Prince George so far this season. Prince George’s record now sits at 4-12-0-1.
These BC Division rivals will square off again Saturday night at CN Centre.
The Cougars led 1-0 after one when Reid Jackson tallied is first goal as a member of the Prince George Cougars. Jackson received a pass from Caleb Belter, and he let a low shot go from the top of the left circle that beat Cheveldave to give the Cats the lead. For Jackson it was his first goal in a Cougars uniform.
The Cougars continued to keep the pedal down, and outplayed Kamloops through 20 minutes.
Kamloops tied the score at 1:30 of the second when Tim Bozon beat Owsley on a two-on-one. Both teams then went back and forth with both goaltenders making a series of money saves. The Cougars were pressing for a majority of the period, and came close a number of times.
Late in the period the Blazers got lucky when Marek Hrbas shot a puck off the glass that bounced oddly off a stanchion and hit the goal-post on Owsley who was out of position. Owsley dove frantically to get back at the puck, but couldn’t get there before Brendan Ranford who knocked home his first of two on the night.
That goal deflated the Cougars who then got themselves into penalty trouble. The Blazers scored two power play goals (Colin Smith and Tim Bozon) in the third period, and added a short-handed marker from Brendan Ranford to round out the scoring.
The Cougars outshot Kamloops 36-34, but finished zero-for-four on the power play while Kamloops finished two-of-five.
With the win, Kamloops improves to 12-4 and have taken two of three from Prince George so far this season. Prince George’s record now sits at 4-12-0-1.
These BC Division rivals will square off again Saturday night at CN Centre.
Cougars - Blazers Preview.
After a busy week of practice, the Prince George Cougars return to action Friday to face Guy Charron and the Kamloops Blazers. It’s the third meeting of the season between the Cougars and Blazers with each team winning once so far this season.
Overview:
The Kamloops Blazers have had a great start to the season. They are 11-4 and currently hold the top spot in the BC Division with 22 points. They are 7-3 in their last 10 games.
Who’s Up Front:
18-year-old forward Colin Smith leads the way offensively for Kamloops. He has 19 points through 15 games and has contributed nine goals, which is good enough for a share of the team lead. Smith is complimented nicely by the likes of Chase Schaber, Dylan Willick and Tim Bozon.
Who’s on D:
Defensively the Blazers are led by 19-year-old Austin Madaisky. Madaisky has tallied 12 points so far this season and all three of his goals have come on the power play.
Who’s in Goal:
After starting the season with three capable goaltenders, the Kamloops Blazers are now down to two. Cam Lanigan and Cole Cheveldave. Both goaltenders have similar numbers and both have recorded five wins, so either way you slice it Guy Charron has a reliable guy that he can go with. The Cougars have seen both Lanigan and Cheveldave so far this season.
X-Factor:
Brendan Ranford remains one of the top offensive catalysts in the WHL. Ranford has 16 points through 12 games, and is tied with Colin Smith for the team lead in goal scoring. Ranford has great vision, and controls the puck extremely well. Keeping Ranford in check will be very important for the Cougars if they want to come out on top this weekend.
Overview:
The Prince George Cougars snapped an eight -game slide with a 2-1 win on Saturday against Vancouver. They are 4-11-0-1 and are looking to climb the ladder of the B.C. Division. Two points tonight would greatly help their cause.
Who’s Up Front:
Prince George Cougars forward Charles Inglis comes into Friday’s game riding a six-game point streak which has seen him tally four goals and four assists in that span. Inglis is the driving force behind the Cougars offense when he is at his best. He’s quick, tenacious and has a quick release that rivals any other goal scorer in the WHL. A big night from Inglis will go a long way for the Cougars in their quest for victory.
Who’s on D:
Cougars defenceman Dan Gibb will likely be a game-time decision for the Cats on Friday. Gibb has missed the last two games with injury, but is close to being ready. Gibb’s presence on the back-end has been missed in recent games. Dean Clark has used the duo of Dan Gibb and Cody Carlson to shut-down the opposing team’s top lines, and with Martin Marincin still suspended for one-more game, it makes Gibb’s presence even more important in the lineup. The Cougars will hope that Gibb is ready to go and if so it makes the Cougars backend even better.
Who’s in Goal:
Drew Owsley was unreal on Saturday against Vancouver. He made 28 saves for his fourth victory of the season, and it would not surprise me at all of Owsley got two more starts again this weekend. Owsley has played well in both games against Kamloops this season, and he’ll need to be in top form given how successful Kamloops has been in recent weeks. In saying that, Devon Fordyce has been working hard in practice and has shown that he’s more than capable of playing at this level.
X-Factor:
Cougars forward Alex Forsberg looks to be gaining more confidence with each passing game. Forsberg is tied for the team lead in scoring with 10 points, and scored the game-winner on Saturday against Vancouver. If Forsberg can continue to earn points and contribute offensively, the sky is truly the limit for a kid with his talent. I’m expecting another strong weekend from Alex Forsberg and the Prince George Cougars.
Overview:
The Kamloops Blazers have had a great start to the season. They are 11-4 and currently hold the top spot in the BC Division with 22 points. They are 7-3 in their last 10 games.
Who’s Up Front:
18-year-old forward Colin Smith leads the way offensively for Kamloops. He has 19 points through 15 games and has contributed nine goals, which is good enough for a share of the team lead. Smith is complimented nicely by the likes of Chase Schaber, Dylan Willick and Tim Bozon.
Who’s on D:
Defensively the Blazers are led by 19-year-old Austin Madaisky. Madaisky has tallied 12 points so far this season and all three of his goals have come on the power play.
Who’s in Goal:
After starting the season with three capable goaltenders, the Kamloops Blazers are now down to two. Cam Lanigan and Cole Cheveldave. Both goaltenders have similar numbers and both have recorded five wins, so either way you slice it Guy Charron has a reliable guy that he can go with. The Cougars have seen both Lanigan and Cheveldave so far this season.
X-Factor:
Brendan Ranford remains one of the top offensive catalysts in the WHL. Ranford has 16 points through 12 games, and is tied with Colin Smith for the team lead in goal scoring. Ranford has great vision, and controls the puck extremely well. Keeping Ranford in check will be very important for the Cougars if they want to come out on top this weekend.
Overview:
The Prince George Cougars snapped an eight -game slide with a 2-1 win on Saturday against Vancouver. They are 4-11-0-1 and are looking to climb the ladder of the B.C. Division. Two points tonight would greatly help their cause.
Who’s Up Front:
Prince George Cougars forward Charles Inglis comes into Friday’s game riding a six-game point streak which has seen him tally four goals and four assists in that span. Inglis is the driving force behind the Cougars offense when he is at his best. He’s quick, tenacious and has a quick release that rivals any other goal scorer in the WHL. A big night from Inglis will go a long way for the Cougars in their quest for victory.
Who’s on D:
Cougars defenceman Dan Gibb will likely be a game-time decision for the Cats on Friday. Gibb has missed the last two games with injury, but is close to being ready. Gibb’s presence on the back-end has been missed in recent games. Dean Clark has used the duo of Dan Gibb and Cody Carlson to shut-down the opposing team’s top lines, and with Martin Marincin still suspended for one-more game, it makes Gibb’s presence even more important in the lineup. The Cougars will hope that Gibb is ready to go and if so it makes the Cougars backend even better.
Who’s in Goal:
Drew Owsley was unreal on Saturday against Vancouver. He made 28 saves for his fourth victory of the season, and it would not surprise me at all of Owsley got two more starts again this weekend. Owsley has played well in both games against Kamloops this season, and he’ll need to be in top form given how successful Kamloops has been in recent weeks. In saying that, Devon Fordyce has been working hard in practice and has shown that he’s more than capable of playing at this level.
X-Factor:
Cougars forward Alex Forsberg looks to be gaining more confidence with each passing game. Forsberg is tied for the team lead in scoring with 10 points, and scored the game-winner on Saturday against Vancouver. If Forsberg can continue to earn points and contribute offensively, the sky is truly the limit for a kid with his talent. I’m expecting another strong weekend from Alex Forsberg and the Prince George Cougars.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Cougars Support Movember.
The Prince George Cougars will show their support for Prostate Cancer Canada and the Movember Foundation by growing their facial hair for the month of November. The entire team and coaches have chosen to participate in the campaign to raise money and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer.
The two Cougars with the most impressive moustaches will participate in “Shave-Off” at centre ice directly following the game versus Kootenay Ice on November 22nd.
“Everyone in some way or another will be affected by cancer,” said Cougars Coach Dean Clark. “My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer three years ago and had surgery; he’s still around today. Having been through it with my own family I understand the importance of getting regular check-ups and how early detection saves lives.”
Fans are invited to support Movember by donating online at http://mobro.co/PGCougars.
The two Cougars with the most impressive moustaches will participate in “Shave-Off” at centre ice directly following the game versus Kootenay Ice on November 22nd.
“Everyone in some way or another will be affected by cancer,” said Cougars Coach Dean Clark. “My dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer three years ago and had surgery; he’s still around today. Having been through it with my own family I understand the importance of getting regular check-ups and how early detection saves lives.”
Fans are invited to support Movember by donating online at http://mobro.co/PGCougars.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Fraser Celebrates WHL Milestone In Style.
Prince George Cougars forward Greg Fraser played in his 200th career Western Hockey League game on Saturday, October 29th against Vancouver. Fraser celebrated the milestone in fine fashion. He got his team on the scoreboard with a short-handed goal in the second, and was named the game’s third star in a 2-1 victory over Vancouver.
The win helped snap an eight game losing skid for the Cougars, and also helped Fraser regain some offensive confidence.
“The fact that I was able to get a goal was nice,” said Fraser. “My confidence has gone up, that’s for sure. I hope it can continue this weekend on Friday and Saturday against Kamloops.”
Fraser’s career has been unique in many respects. He was the last player selected in the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft. In fact Fraser was the only player selected in the 15th round of the draft and has had to do things the hard way in order to stay in the league for the past three full seasons.
“Fraser is very responsible,” said Prince George Cougars Head Coach Dean Clark. “He’s a reliable penalty-killer and has also contributed to our team offensively over the years.”
Fraser and the Cougars are back in action this weekend against the Kamloops Blazers.
The win helped snap an eight game losing skid for the Cougars, and also helped Fraser regain some offensive confidence.
“The fact that I was able to get a goal was nice,” said Fraser. “My confidence has gone up, that’s for sure. I hope it can continue this weekend on Friday and Saturday against Kamloops.”
Fraser’s career has been unique in many respects. He was the last player selected in the 2007 WHL Bantam Draft. In fact Fraser was the only player selected in the 15th round of the draft and has had to do things the hard way in order to stay in the league for the past three full seasons.
“Fraser is very responsible,” said Prince George Cougars Head Coach Dean Clark. “He’s a reliable penalty-killer and has also contributed to our team offensively over the years.”
Fraser and the Cougars are back in action this weekend against the Kamloops Blazers.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Cougars Partner With The Home Depot in 2011-2012.
The Prince George Cougars are very pleased to once again be partnering with The Home Depot for the 2011-2012 season. Home Depot will be sponsoring two game nights this season on November 19th, 2011 and February 10th, 2012. In addition the Prince George Cougars and The Home Depot are teaming up to provide fans with two fun hockey-related contests.
Today the Prince George Cougars and The Home Depot are launching the “On the Bench” Coaching Clinic promotion which runs now until Friday November, 19th. The “On the Bench” Coaching Clinic provides one lucky minor hockey team and its coaching staff with an opportunity to have their team’s practice run by the Prince George Cougars at your team arena.
“We are truly excited to partner with The Home Depot for these promotions,” said Prince George Cougars Vice President Brandi Brodsky. “It allows us the chance to connect with minor hockey at a grass roots level.”
Players, coaches, and parents can enter their team into the draw in one of four ways:
- At the Prince George Minor Hockey Association office at CN Centre.
- At the Prince George Cougars Guest Services Table during home-games.
- Online at www.pgcougars.com/page/onthebench
- At the Prince George The Home Depot store located at 5959 O'Grady Road, Prince George, BC V2N 6Z
The second contest kicks off in January, 2012. Local residents who have built a backyard rink are given the opportunity to play a game of shinny on their backyard rink against members of the Prince George Cougars. The winner will be selected randomly through a draw.
Click here to enter the "On the Bench" Coaching Clinic.
Today the Prince George Cougars and The Home Depot are launching the “On the Bench” Coaching Clinic promotion which runs now until Friday November, 19th. The “On the Bench” Coaching Clinic provides one lucky minor hockey team and its coaching staff with an opportunity to have their team’s practice run by the Prince George Cougars at your team arena.
“We are truly excited to partner with The Home Depot for these promotions,” said Prince George Cougars Vice President Brandi Brodsky. “It allows us the chance to connect with minor hockey at a grass roots level.”
Players, coaches, and parents can enter their team into the draw in one of four ways:
- At the Prince George Minor Hockey Association office at CN Centre.
- At the Prince George Cougars Guest Services Table during home-games.
- Online at www.pgcougars.com/page/onthebench
- At the Prince George The Home Depot store located at 5959 O'Grady Road, Prince George, BC V2N 6Z
The second contest kicks off in January, 2012. Local residents who have built a backyard rink are given the opportunity to play a game of shinny on their backyard rink against members of the Prince George Cougars. The winner will be selected randomly through a draw.
Click here to enter the "On the Bench" Coaching Clinic.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
