A predatory rival usurped the Prince George WIC Bantam Female Tier 1 Cougars at the Surrey Tournament of Hearts.
When the Cougars (28-6-3) and Tri Cities (Vancouver) Predators renewed their rivalry in the gold-medal final Sunday it was a classic battle with momentum shifting throughout the game. Unfortunately for the Cougars it was the Predators earning the 2-1 victory.
"It was a fantastic game played by both teams," said Cougars' coach Don Knoop.
In four meetings this season the Cougars and Predators have split the series 2-2.
Knoop said he's already looking ahead to breaking the tie with the Predators at the provincial championship in Colwood, a suburb of Victoria, from March 19 to 23.
The Cougars opened the tournament in Surrey with a 6-0 win over Kamloops on Friday before the girls had their first taste of international competition Saturday when they faced the Alaska Icebreakers.
"They're a very good, big team," said Knoop. "It was an exciting experience for the girls."
Prince George edged the U.S. opponent 3-1.
In their final round-robin game, Knoop said, the Cougars came out flat-footed and didn't give a full team effort in a 4-0 loss to the Predators.
The 2-1 record matched the Cougars against the host Surrey Falcons in the semifinal with the northern team coming out on top 4-2, setting up the rematch with the Predators.
The provincial play downs are this weekend as the Cougars host 100 Mile House on Friday and Saturday at Kin 1 in a best-of-three playoff. If necessary, the teams will travel down Highway 97 to 100 Mile House for the tiebreaker Sunday morning.
Friday's game is scheduled for 6:45 to 9:15 p.m. with Game 2 on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
The winner of the series advances to the provincial championship in Colwood.
