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WHL Prince George Cougars

Cougars Secure Playoff Berth Despite Shootout Loss to Kamloops Blazers

February 18, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Prince George Cougars News Release


KAMLOOPS, BC - Despite launching 48 shots on goal against Kamloops Blazers' goaltender Jesse Sanche, the Prince George Cougars couldn't secure victory as they fell short in a tight 2-1 shootout battle at the Sandman Centre on Saturday. Nevertheless, the Cats' hard-fought effort earned them a point, officially clinching a playoff berth.

The game unfolded with a scoreless first period, but the Blazers broke the deadlock late in the second period when Ashton Ferster capitalized on a Cougar turnover at 17:11. Despite Prince George outshooting the Blazers 11-3 in the second period, they found themselves trailing 1-0.

The intensity escalated in the third period with a fight between Aiden Foster and Josh Kelly. However, the Cougars responded, as Ondrej Becher rifled a one-timer from the right circle into the net at 12:11, capitalizing on their first power-play opportunity of the night and levelling the score at one apiece. The relentless Cougars continued their offensive onslaught, tallying 21 shots compared to Kamloops' 7 in the third period alone, forcing the game into overtime.

In the extra frame, the Blazers earned their first power-play opportunity, mounting pressure with some promising chances. However, Ty Young delivered a sensational save, denying the Blazer forward with a remarkable left-toe save at the buzzer, extending the game into a shootout.

It was Kamloops native Jordan Keller who sealed the victory for the Blazers with the lone tally in the shootout, clinching the win in the third round.

With the outcome, the Cougars' season record stands at 36-15-0-3. They are poised to bounce back as they prepare to host the Seattle Thunderbirds on Monday afternoon at 3:00 pm, commencing a two-game series at home.

FINAL SCORE:

PG:1 KAM: 2 (SO)

FINAL SHOTS:

PG: 48 KAM: 30

POWER-PLAYS:

PG: 1/1 KAM: 0/1

GOALTENDING:

PG: Ty Young - 65:00 - 29/30

KAM: Jesse Sanche - 65:00 - 47/48

3 STARS:

1.KAM: Jesse Sanche (47 Saves)

2.PG: Ty Young (29 Saves)

3.KAM: Ashton Ferster (1-0-1)

Check out the Prince George Cougars Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from February 18, 2024


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