Community Embracing 2022-23 Cougars
December 29, 2022 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Prince George Cougars News Release
PRINCE GEORGE BC - The Prince George Community is rallying behind the 2022-23 edition of the Cougars. Through the first half of the season, the team has been fun to watch and ticket sales have steadily increased. Five games with massive crowds, including a new Cougars' single-game attendance record of 6027, has rejuvenated the atmosphere in the CN Centre.
Following a few tough seasons navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic, some welcome change and excitement has re-entered the arena with a young and exciting team moving in the right direction. The data is in: average attendance has increased by 51% over last year, putting the Cougars at the top of the WHL in single year attendance growth.
A few highlights from the first half of the season:
1st in the BC Division for 8 weeks straight in October and November
Chase Wheatcroft #1 in the WHL in Power-Play goals
Koehn Ziemmer & Riley Heidt tied for 4th in league scoring
Hudson Thornton 2nd in league scoring among defencemen
December 2nd vs Regina Pats broke the CN Centre attendance record for hockey with 6027 fans in the building
In addition to improved on-ice performance, operational changes have made games more enjoyable and more affordable for families. Child ticket prices have been lowered dramatically and Saturday games now begin at 6:00pm.
"We want to say thank you to everybody for coming out and for making it happen," said Director of Business Operations, Taylor Dakers. "We think everyone can agree how much more fun it is in the building when we've got 4,000 plus in there. Going back to the late 90's and mid 2000's, we feel like everyone wants that to happen, and at this rate, we are getting back there. It has sure been fun to see everyone in the building to watch some exciting hockey."
The Prince George Cougars play next at home New Year's Eve. Puck drop is 6:00pm, doors open at 5:00pm. Tickets are on sale now at ticketsnorth.ca and at the TicketsNorth Box Office.
Western Hockey League Stories from December 29, 2022
- Game #32 - ICE vs Sasktoon Blades, 6:00 at the ICE Cave Inside Wayne Fleming Arena - Winnipeg Ice
- GAME HUB: Wheat Kings Head to Moose Jaw Friday Night - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Rebels Down Hitmen - Calgary Hitmen
- Oil Kings Acquire Goaltender Logan Cunningham from Victoria - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Oil Kings Acquire Goaltender Logan Cunningham from Victoria - Edmonton Oil Kings
- Royals Trade Cunningham to Oil Kings for 2025 Fifth Round Pick - Victoria Royals
- WORLD JUNIORS: Bedard Ties Canadian Goal Record, Svozil & Czechia Gather a Point - Regina Pats
- Community Embracing 2022-23 Cougars - Prince George Cougars
- Preview: Rockets To Face T-Birds Twice - Kelowna Rockets
- Kamloops Keeps Rockets on Skids - Kelowna Rockets
- Baco Scores in Slovakia's Upset Win over USA - Moose Jaw Warriors
- CHL Announces 2023 CHL ON TSN TV Broadcast Schedule - WHL
- Chiefs Battle Back, Lose 6-5 in Rematch against Seattle - Spokane Chiefs
- Bedard Ties Canadian Single Game Points Record - Regina Pats
- Thunderbirds Edge Past Spokane - Seattle Thunderbirds
- Holt Celebrates Royals Debut with 3-0 Shutout of Giants - Victoria Royals
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- Cougar Alumnus Zdeno Chara Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame
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