Prince George Cougars veteran forward Chase Witala tallied a goal and two assists to help lead his Team Black squad to a 10-3 victory against Team White in the Cats annual intrasquad game Monday night at CN Centre.
In front of one of the largest crowds of 1,021 fans to watch a Cougars Black versus White game in recent history, the Black squad erupted for six goals in the third period to win the Rob Charney Cup, in memory of the long-time Cats scout.
The exhibition match, where fans received free admission, was the finale after a three-day training camp to launch the Cougars into what they're dubbing the New Ice Age, prior to the start of the 2014-15 Western Hockey League season.
The Black squad took a 4-2 lead into the third period, when the flurry of goals began.
Forward Aaron Boyd led the way with two goals, while Blake Holowaty, Shane Collins, Haydn Hopkins and Ethan O'Rourke tallied singles to secure the win.
On the other side for Team White, Chance Braid, a 20-year-old forward acquired in the off-season from Prince Albert in a trade, scored a pair of goals in the second and third period, while veteran forward Jari Erricson added a single.
In the second period, Aaron Macklin scored on a back-hand shot in the top of the slot at the 19:03-minute mark for the Black side and a 4-2 lead.
Colby Mcauley scored unassisted on a wrist shot from the side of the net to break a 2-2 tie at the 6:45 mark.
Braid scored for Team White to even the game at 2-2 early in the second frame.
Team Black held a 2-1 edge after the first 20 minutes of play.
Witala wristed a shot from just outside the right side of the goalie crease to break a 1-1 tie late in the first period at the 17:32 mark.
Erricson continued his strong play in camp when he slid a rebound underneath Black goaltender Brandon Wells' pads to draw Team Black even at one apiece.
Cats veteran defenceman Marc McNulty opened the scoring for Team Black when he blasted a shot from the point at the 8:15 mark of the first period.
Shots on goal were 36-34 in favour of Team Black.
The Cougars are expected to trim the roster today. The Cats will play five pre-season games starting Saturday against Red Deer and Sunday against Medicine Hat.
Both games will be in Edmonton. The defending Memorial Cup champions Edmonton Oil Kings will be in Prince George Sept. 5 and 6.
