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WHL Prince George Cougars

Riley Heidt Sets Records in Thrilling Showdown Against Wenatchee

January 29, 2024 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Prince George Cougars News Release


WENATCHEE, WA - The Prince George Cougars wrapped up a demanding three-game stretch over as many nights with a hard-fought 5-4 shootout loss against the Wenatchee Wild, concluding on Sunday at the Town Toyota Centre.

Riley Heidt etched his name into Cougars' history, becoming their all-time leader in both points and assists after a stellar three-point performance in the game. Heidt's contributions, along with goals from Carlin Dezainde (twice) and Matteo Danis, highlighted the Cougar offensive effort, while Ty Young made 24 saves in goal.

The Wild seized an early advantage, with Briley Wood finding the back of the net twice within the opening frame, establishing a 2-0 lead that held firm through the first period.

The second period ignited with a spirited exchange as Terik Parascak and Jonas Woo engaged in a physical showdown. Despite Miles Cooper extending the Wild's lead to 3-0, the Cougars battled back with Hunter Laing's redirected wrist shot off the face of Matteo Danis and in, and Carlin Dezainde's quick response, fueled by Riley Heidt's historic assist. Momentum swung in the Cats' favour, outshooting Wenatchee 13-8 in the latter part of the period, but the score remained 3-2 Wild heading into the final frame.

The Cougars surged in the third, as Riley Heidt's short-handed goal levelled the score at three, only for Briley Wood to notch his hat-trick marker, restoring Wenatchee's lead at 4-3. Despite the setback, the Cougars persisted. Carlin Dezainde's late equalizer, assisted by Heidt's milestone point, knotting the game at 4-4 and solidified Heidt's legacy as the all-time points leader in Cougar history.

With both teams trading power-play opportunities in overtime, the deadlock persisted into a shootout, where Evan Friesen's lone goal secured a 5-4 victory for the Wild.

Looking ahead, the Cougars return to action on Tuesday night at 7:05, facing the Seattle Thunderbirds at the accesso ShoWare Centre in Kent, WA.

FINAL SCORE:

PG: 4 WEN: 5 (SO)

FINAL SHOTS:

PG: 45 WEN: 29

POWER-PLAYS:

PG: 0-5 WEN: 2-5

GOALTENDERS:

PG: Ty Young - 24/28 - 65:00

WEN: Daniel Hauser - 27/30 - 47:17

WEN: Brenden Gee - 14/15 - 7:17

3 STARS:

1.WEN: Briley Wood (3-1-4)

2.WEN: Evan Friesen (0-2-2, SO Winner)

3.WEN: Brendan Gee (14 Saves)

Check out the Prince George Cougars Statistics



Western Hockey League Stories from January 29, 2024


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