The Cariboo Cougars are halfway to the second round of the B.C. Hockey Major Midget League playoffs.
They took care of business in a decisive way Friday evening at Kin 1, hammering the Thompson Blazers of Kamloops 9-1 in the opening game of the best-of-three quarterfinal series.
Paul Hauk, Hunter Floris and Mason Richey each scored two goals to lead the Cougar cause. Brandon Rowley, Brandon Dent and Grady Thomas also scored for the Cats. Evan Vinterlik was the lone goal-scorer for the Blazers.
The Cougars led 1-0 after one period and 5-0 after two.
Marcus Allen made 13 saves to record the win in net. Ethan Langenegger had considerably more work guarding the Blazers nets, making 33 stops.
Game 2 of the series is set for today at 4 p.m. at Kin 1. If the Blazers win and force Game 3, that will be played Sunday at 10 a.m., also at Kin 1
