Consider this latest development for the Prince George Cougars a Capital gain.
The Cougars announced Friday that 20-year-old right winger Zac Funk has signed a three-year entry-level contract with the Washington Capitals.
In his last year of junior eligibility Funk has had a breakout season.
He’s scored 56 goals and has 43 assists for 99 points in 58 games and ranks third in the Western Hockey League scoring race.
The native of Coldstream, near Vernon, shattered the Cougars team record for goals in a single season when he scored his 55th goal last weekend against the Kelowna Rockets. He added one more goal that night to compete his eighth WHL hat trick this season – also a team record.
He is the plus/minus leader in the league, carrying a plus-44 rating heading into tonight’s game at CN Centre against the Spokane Chiefs. Funk’s 25 power-play goals leads the WHL and established a new Cougar record.
So it’s not surprising Funk has caught the eye of NHL scouts. He had several discussions with other NHL teams before the Capitals made their offer.
“I am very grateful and honoured for this opportunity with the Washington Capitals and am looking forward to the next chapter of my hockey career,” said Funk.
“I want to thank my family, my billet families, my coaches, staff, my agency, and my friends for all of their support and their help throughout my life.”
The Cougars acquired Funk at the trade deadline last season in a deal with the Calgary Hitmen that sent forward Carter MacAdams, a 2023 second-round pick and the Cougars’ fourth-round pick in 2024.
“He is a power forward with skill who has put in the work and added layers to his game,” said Cougars head coach and general manager Mark Lamb.
Funk has collected 203 points (108-95-203) in 218 WHL games with the Cougars and Hitmen,. He also was a key contributor in the playoffs last year for the Cougars with five goals and three assists in 10 games.
The Cougars host the Chiefs in back-to-back games this weekend. Tonight’s game starts at 7 p.m., while Saturday’s rematch gets underway at 6 p.m.
