The Prince George Cougars have solidified their two goaltenders for its roster after trading their back-up of two seasons to two states south of the border.
Isaiah DiLaura has been sent to the Portland Winterhawks in exchange for a seventh-round pick in the 2022 Western Hockey League (WHL) Bantam Draft.
The Minnesota native started in 36 games with Prince George in a two-year span, serving as the understudy to Taylor Gauthier, combining for seven wins, one shutout, a 3.61 goals-against-average, and a .889 save-percentage.
The 19-year-old was originally drafted by the Cougars in the eighth round of the 2015 Bantam draft.
The move means the Cats are left with two goaltenders ahead of the season-opener on Friday (Sept. 20) with Taylor Gauthier, the expected go-to netimnder, and Tyler Brennan, Prince George’s first pick, 21st overall, in the 2018 Bantam Draft.
Brennan appeared in two pre-season games, including the first of two in Dawson Creek this past weekend, combining for 68 saves on 81 shots.
Prince George has also defenceman Keaton Dowhaniuk back to Edmonton for midget prep, meaning the team has been reduced to 25 players.
The 2019-20 opener for the Cougars is on home ice this Friday and Saturday (Sept. 21) when the reigning B.C. Division-champion Vancouver Giants roll into the CN Centre.
Puck-drop goes for 7 p.m., but the party begins at 4:50 p.m. when the team walks the red carpet into the arena surrounded by fans.
The players will drive up to the front doors in vehicles from the Prince George Crusin’ Classics Car Club, along with live music from DJ Ant and a tailgate with the White Goose Bistro food truck.
More information is available on the Cougars’ website.
