Cougars Fall Short In Shootout Against Rockets
Published on January 14, 2024 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Prince George Cougars News Release
PRINCE GEORGE BC - The Prince George Cougars supplied a late surge in the third period, however, it was the Kelowna Rockets who hung on and split the weekend, downing the Cougars 3-2 in a shootout.
Ondrej Becher and Terik Parascak had the Cougar tallies, and goaltender Joshua Ravensbergen made 21 saves.
The game kicked off with an intense three-minute mark fight between Hudson Thornton and Trae Johnson, setting the tone for an action-packed contest at CN Centre. Max Graham opened the scoring for the Rockets with a goal at 4:29, capitalizing on a scramble in front of the Cougar net. A second bout erupted at the 10:04 mark, as Zac Funk engaged with Carter Kowalylk, ultimately dropping Kowalyk with a decisive right hand.
Despite facing a 1-0 deficit at the end of the first period, the Cougars demonstrated resilience in the second frame. Kelowna extended their lead to 2-0 with Caden Price's goal at 3:46, but the Cougars answered back. Ondrej Becher's power-play tally at 16:22 and Terik Parascak's equalizer at 18:37 knotted the game at two apiece heading into the third period.
The Cougars dominated the final regulation period, outshooting the Rockets 13-2, but goaltender Jari Kykkanen stood tall. Despite the impressive offensive display, the teams remained deadlocked at two, forcing the game into overtime.
In the extra period, the Cougars had 1:48 of power-play time but were unable to capitalize. Outshooting Kelowna 5-0 in overtime, the game ultimately required a shootout. Kelowna's captain, Gabriel Szturc, secured the lone shootout goal, while Jari Kykkanen denied all three Cougar shooters, securing a hard-fought victory for the Rockets.
FINAL SCORE:
KEL 3 PG 2 (SO)
FINAL SHOTS:
KEL 24 PG 37
POWER-PLAYS:
KEL: 0-4 PG: 1-3
GOALTENDING:
KEL: Jari Kykkanen - 65:00 - 34/36
PG: Joshua Ravensbergen - 65:00 - 21/23
3 STARS:
1.KEL: Jari Kykkanen (34 Saves)
2.PG: Ondrej Becher (1-1-2)
3.KEL: Gabriel Szturc (0-2-2 & Shootout Winner)
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