Prince George Cougars forward Mitch Kohner will get play in the WHL 2021-22 season, just not on this side of the U.S. border.
On Tuesday, the Cougars announced a one-year loan agreement with the Spokane Chiefs, to allow the 18-year-old Minnesotan to play in the U.S.
“We’re happy to find Mitch a spot to play and continue his development this season,” Cats GM and head coach Mark Lamb said in a press release. “With the ongoing border restrictions, we were unable to bring him into our cohort for the BC Division season. We look forward to tracking his progress in Spokane.”
Kohner will return to the Cougars at the end of the 2021-22 season.
He has played 108 career games in the WHL over the last two seasons, racking up eight goals and six assists last season.
“This is a unique situation where an American player wasn’t able to rejoin his team due to COVID restrictions and with the loss of Jack Finley to injury, we had a spot available,” Chiefs general manager Scott Carter said in a press release. “It ends up being a win-win as we can bring in a player with WHL experience to help mentor our young guys and Mitchell can continue his development in our league. We’re excited to welcome him to Spokane.”
The Cougars also announced d-man Hudson Thorton has joined the team in Kamloops. Thorton is completing his mandatory quarantine period, then will join the Cats on the ice later this week.
Forward Ilijah Colina left the team for personal reasons, leaving the Cougars with 14 forwards, seven defencemen and three goalies on the roster.
A statement released by the team said the organization supports Colina's decision, and wishes him the best.
