WHL Prince George Cougars

Undermanned Cougars no Match for Chiefs

Published on February 28, 2019 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Prince George Cougars News Release


PRINCE GEORGE, BC- An understaffed Prince George Cougars squad couldn't overcome a slow start, as the Spokane Chiefs skated to a 7-1 win at the CN Centre on Wednesday night.

The Cougars had just 16 skaters dressed due to a rash of injuries and illness and the Chiefs appeared to take advantage early. The visitors scored four-times in the first period as they built up a commanding leading through 20-minutes. The Chiefs added another goal in the second and two more in the third period.

Jaret Anderson-Dolan led the charge offensively for the Chiefs with a pair of goals as part of a five-point night. Luc Smith had three points (1-2-3) and defenceman Ty Smith chipped in with three helpers. Bailey Brkin picked up the win in net, kicking out 27 of 28 shots.

It was a game dominated by special teams, as the two teams combined for 14 power-play opportunities. The Chiefs scored twice on the man-advantage and also had a short-handed goal. The Cougars went 1-8 on the power-play.

Josh Maser scored the only Cougars' goal, early in the second period and on the power-play. Maser tallying his team-leading 26th goal of the season and is just two off from matching his career-high of 28 he had last season. Taylor Gauthier suffered the loss in goal, surrounding five goals on 16 shots in 22-minutes of work. He was replaced by Isaiah DiLaura who stopped 14 of 16 the rest of the way.

With the win, the Chiefs clinched a spot in the WHL playoffs, becoming the sixth team to do so this season. They also sweep the four-game season series and have won eight-straight against the Cougars dating back to last season.

Josh Maser's power-play goal extends his point streak to four games and his goal streak to three games. Maser has five points (4-1-5) over the last four games.

SCORING SUMMARY

First Period

Chiefs [1-0] Luke Toporowski (18) from Jaret Anderson-Dolan and Nolan Reid :18

Chiefs [2-0] Bobby Russell (5) unassisted 9:04

Chiefs [3-0] Connor Gabruch (3) from Ty Smith and Jaret Anderson-Dolan 16:59

Chiefs [4-0] Nolan Reid (14) from Riley Woods and Jaret Anderson-Dolan 19:28 SHG

Second Period

Cougars [4-1] Josh Maser (26) from Tyson Upper and Rhett Rhinehart :24 PP

Chiefs [5-1] Jaret Anderson-Dolan (11) from Ty Smith and Luc Smith 2:14 PP

Third Period

Chiefs [6-1] Jaret Anderson-Dolan (12) from Ty Smith and Luc Smith 4:08 PP

Chiefs [7-1] Luc Smith (27) from Michael King 19:27

GOALTENDING

Cougars- Taylor Gauthier (Loss) 11/16 22:14 | Isaiah DiLaura 14/16 37:46

Chiefs- Bailey Brkin (Win) 27/28 60:00

POWER-PLAY

Cougars- 1/8

Chiefs- 2/6

UP NEXT: The Cougars (17-37-5-3) head to Vancouver Island to face-off against the Victoria Royals on Friday and Saturday night. Fans can listen to both games on 94.3 The GOAT, or they can watch on WHL Live.

Check out the Prince George Cougars Statistics

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Western Hockey League Stories from February 28, 2019


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