The Prince George Cougars, who will take a 20-10-1-1 record into a Friday Western Hockey League game against the Victoria Royals, have been recognized by the Canadian Hockey League for their fine season to date.
In the latest set of CHL rankings, released Wednesday, the Cougars were given one of three honourable-mention positions. The Red Deer Rebels (22-11-0-0) of the WHL and Kingston Frontenacs (20-9-2-1) of the Ontario Hockey League are the other two teams that received honourable mentions.
Three WHL clubs – the Kelowna Rockets, Lethbridge Hurricanes and Calgary Hitmen – landed on the top-10 list. The Rockets (24-7-1-0) are fourth, the Hurricanes (21-11-0-0) are ninth and the Hitmen (21-12-1-1) are 10th.
First through third are the Erie Otters (OHL, 27-3-1-0), Rouyn-Noranda Huskies (Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, 26-3-3-1) and the Kitchener Rangers (OHL, 23-3-4-0). Also in the top 10 are the London Knights (fifth, OHL), Val-d'Or Foreurs (sixth, QMJHL), Gatineau Olympiques (seventh, QMJHL) and Shawinigan Cataractes (eighth, QMJHL).
The rankings are done by a panel of NHL scouts.
The Cats improved their record Tuesday night in Kent, Wash., where they beat the Seattle Thunderbirds 6-2. In the game, they led 2-1 after the first period and 4-2 after the second.
Offensively, the Cats were led by Jesse Gabrielle, who had two goals and one assist. Jansen Harkins added three helpers, the second of which was the 100th of his WHL career.
The Cougars also got goals from Jared Bethune, Chase Witala (with his team-leading 20th of the season and the 100th of his WHL career) Bartek Bison and Colby McAuley. Ethan Bear scored both goals for the T-birds.
In the net, Ty Edmonds stopped 26 shots on the way to the win. Logan Flodell went the distance for Seattle. The Cougars – who have gone 8-1-0-1 in their past 10 games – outshot their hosts 33-28.
Seattle's record slipped to 18-11-2-0.
Heading into Wednesday night action, the Cougars and Royals had identical records and were tied for second place in the B.C. Division. The Royals visited the Vancouver Giants on Wednesday night.
Friday's game in Prince George will be the first of the season between the Cougars and Royals. The teams will clash again on Saturday in the Cougars' annual Teddy Bear Toss game. The opening face-off for both contests is 7 p.m. at CN Centre.
After Saturday's game, the Cougars won't play again until after Christmas. They'll be in Victoria Dec. 27-28 for another doubleheader with the Royals.
