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Prince George Cougars’ offensive efforts royally spoiled by Victoria

Hole grows to 14 games for the Cats with Friday loss
Kyle Balzer
Kyle Balzer

The Prince George Cougars showed promise Friday night (Feb. 15) on home ice, outshooting the Victoria Royals to start the contest and generating scoring chances.

By evening’s end, the visitors were able to find the back of the net more often than the Cats, dropping their 14th straight game by a score of 4-1.

Prince George generated 33 shots on northern B.C. netminder Griffen Outhouse, who earned the game’s first star by stopping 32 of them.

Needless to say, Taylor Gauthier’s 18th birthday was spoiled as well by Victoria, allowing four goals on 21 shots in his 43rd start of the season.

Cougars’ captain Josh Curtis lit the lone lamp for the home team, coming six minutes into the second period.

Royals’ forward Tanner Sidaway scored two goals in the game, including one on the short-hand that would end up being the game-winner.

Former Cougar of 232 games Kody McDonald recorded an assist in his return to B.C.’s northern capital; he was also honoured in a tribute video in the first period.

Prince George’s record drops to 16-33-4-2 and 12 points back of a wild-card spot in the Western Hocke League (WHL) playoffs.

This was the third game with General Manager Mark Lamb behind the bench as the interim head coach and his first at the CN Centre, who undoubtedly is continuing to look for a new strategy to get Prince George back in the win column.

The second of the weekend doubleheader against Victoria is tonight (Feb. 16) with a 7 p.m. puck-drop.

Friday night was also Alumni Night, which saw past Cougars gather for a special pre-game ceremony and post-game autograph session.

The night featured Evan Fuller (2003-2008), Ronald Petrovicky (1994-1997), Tyler Bouck (1995-2000), Tyler Brough (1996-1999), Ty Edmonds (2012-2017), Scott Myers (1996-2000), Eric Hunter (2002-2007), Greg Gardner (2003-2008), and newly appointed Assistant Coach Nick Drazenovic (2002-2007).

The late Brock Hirsche was also honoured prior to the game with parents Tim and Sharla leading the ceremonial face-off.