The Prince George Cougars will be seeing a lot of their closest geographic rival in the Western Hockey League next season.
In 10 of their 72 regular season games in 2011-12, the Cougars will come to face-to-face with the Kamloops Blazers. Five games are in Kamloops, with five at CN Centre.
The WHL released its schedule on Wednesday and for the Cougars the season gets underway on Saturday, Sept. 24 in Kamloops. The Cats home-opener follows on Friday, Sept. 30 against the Victoria Royals, formerly known as the Chilliwack Bruins.
The Cougars' 36-game home schedule includes 14 Saturday night games, 13 on Friday nights, five on Wednesdays and four Tuesday games. Their longest homestand is an eight-game stretch, Feb. 24 to March 7. Sixteen of their home games will be played in the first half of the season, with 20 to follow at CN Centre after they reach the mid-point, Dec. 28 at home against the Calgary Hitmen. The longest roadtrip for Prince George happens Oct. 4-15 when they visit all six East Division teams and Kamloops.
The Teddy Bear Toss game will be played Saturday, Dec. 17 against the Vancouver Giants. The Christmas break follows from Dec. 18-27.
For more information on tickets for Cougars games, go to www.pgcougars.com.
