Thanksgiving Monday was no feast for the Prince George Cougars.
They got stuffed 5-0 by the Calgary Hitmen to kick off a three-game Alberta road trip.
The Hitmen (3-4-0-0) scored three times in the third period to take a commanding lead and rode a 31-save shutout performance from 15-year-old Eric Tu to their third win in seven games to start the season. It was Tu's first win in only his second WHL start.
Maxim Muranov opened the scoring 8:51 into the second period and Carson Wetsch made it a 2-0 count 19 seconds later. Carter Yaremchuk added to the total late in the period, scoring on a two-man power play. Oliver Tulk and Ben Kendel, with a shorthanded goal, capped the scoring in the third period.
Cooper Michaluk took the loss in goal for the Cougars, stopping 31 of 36 shots.
It was the first time the Cougars have been shut out in a regular season game since April 5, 2022.
Prince George (5-3-2-1) will look to rebound in Medicine Hat, against the Tigers (4-4-0-0) Wednesday. On Friday, the Cougars will face the Lethbridge Hurricanes.
LOOSE PUCKS: Before Monday’s game the Cougars sent 18-year-old defenceman Drew Peterson to the Bonnyville Pontiacs (AJHL)… Prince George native Cameron Schmidt scored two goals for the Vancouver Giants in a 5-4 loss Monday to the Oil Kings in Edmonton. The 18-year-old Schmidt, considered a top prospect for the 2025 NHL draft, now leads the WHL with 11 goals and ranks third in the scoring race with 15 points, tied with Cougars scoring leader Borya Valis (4-11-15).
