Two games, 69 shots.
That's how much rubber Ty Edmonds faced during a Prince George Cougars two-game road trip against two of their WHL B.C. Division rivals on the weekend.
And the Cats 18-year-old netminder stopped 63 of those shots earning a 4-3 win against the high-powered Kelowna Rockets Friday and a 6-3 victory against the Kamloops Blazers Saturday night.
"It was definitely interesting in Kelowna," said Edmonds after practice Monday. "We were probably the only team who believed we could win. We battled hard, played to our systems and came out with a win.
"Our d-men [defencemen] killed a lot of penalties, they were clearing the puck and doing their job. I saw the puck well Friday night.
"Pulling off two wins definitely helps with our confidence. I'm getting some wins and seeing the puck well."
The Cougars rallied from a two-goal deficit against Kelowna with a four-goal outburst. They were forced to kill off nine of 10 penalties, including two in the last two minutes when the Rockets trailed 4-3. Prince George weathered the storm and hung on.
"It wasn't the start we wanted [in Kelowna] but Ty shut the door," said Cougars head coach Mark Holick. "We killed off nine of 10 penalties and I've always said your goalie is the best penalty killer. Our goalie was the difference. He blocked a lot of shots."
Holick has a lot of confidence in his starting netminder right now.
"He's challenging and calm and he's more under control," said Holick. "When he's playing well he's focused and on top of the paint. He's not flopping around. He's just controlled."
The bus ride home Sunday was a happy one as the Cougars, now with an even .500 record of 15-15 and sixth in the Western Conference, must get ready to host the Saskatoon Blades tonight in a 7 p.m. contest at CN Centre.
It's the lone meeting of the season between the two teams, which also doubles as the Cougars' Teddy Bear Toss game.
The 7-21-2 Blades are 11th in the Eastern Conference and arrive in Prince George to play their last of a six-game road trip.
They're on a five-game losing streak and 0-4 so far on their swing through B.C. with losses against Vancouver on Saturday (3-2), Victoria on Friday (6-3), Kelowna (5-1) and Kamloops (4-3). Their road trip began on Nov. 29 in Moose Jaw where they were dealt a 4-2 loss.
Blades leading scorer Alex Forsberg returns to CN Centre for the first time since he was traded by the Cougars to the Blades in May.
He appeared in only 44 games for the Cougars last season where he totaled six goals and 22 assists.
This year, he's Saskatoon's top point-getter with 11 goals, 12 assists in 27 games.
Right-winger Sam McKechnie is second in team scoring with seven goals, 12 assists since being acquired in a trade from Seattle early in the season.
Defenceman Adam Henry is the Blades top blueliner, potting three goals and 15 assists in 23 games.
"Saskatoon has made a lot of changes and are in a transition phase," said Holick. "But they'll work hard and if we're not ready to play... if we work like we did on the weekend then the score will take care of itself."
Centre Jansen Harkins continues to lead the Cougars in scoring with nine goals and 24 assists.
Left-winger Chase Witala is next with 31 points (15 goals, 16 assists).
As for Edmonds, he'll stick to what's been working for him lately.
"I'm just working on my mental toughness and being all around sound," he said. "Pre-game I keep to myself and mentally focus.
"I don't know too much about Saskatoon but I know they'll come out strong and it will be a battle. They're at the end of their road trip."
After tonight's game, the Cougars will load up the bus and hit the road for Washington State where they'll play the Silvertips Friday in Everett and the Spokane Chiefs on Saturday.
Spokane travels to Prince George to take on the Cougars on Dec. 16 and 17.
"We've got five games before Christmas and we need to get as many points as possible," said Holick.
The Blades return home and will face-off against Moose Jaw on Friday in Saskatoon.
Loose pucks: Holick said the team is "pretty healthy" with no major bumps and bruises...Fans are encouraged to bring a stuffed toy, a toque or mittens with them to throw onto the ice when the Cougars score their first goal of the game. All items will be donated to the Salvation Army...The Cougars reassigned centre Jordan Ross to the Yorkton Terriers of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League on Monday. Ross spent last season with the Terriers and helped them win the Junior A national championship. This season with the Cougars, Ross appeared in 16 games, picking up three assists. The Cougars roster now sits at 24 (15 forwards, seven defencemen and two goaltenders).
