SPOKANE, Wash. -- The Prince George Cougars showcased their prowess on the ice with a commanding 6-3 triumph over the Spokane Chiefs on Saturday at the Spokane Arena, marking the second win of their Western Hockey League U.S. Division swing.
Oncrej Becher led the way for the Cougars (20-7-0-0) with two goals and an assist.
The Cougars wasted no time seizing control of the game, with Oren Shtrom igniting the scoreboard just 53 seconds into the match. The momentum continued in the latter half of the opening period, as Zac Funk and Ondrej Becher each found the back of the net at 15:11 and 15:33, respectively.
The Cats entered the dressing room with a commanding 3-0 lead after the first 20 minutes.
In the second period, the Cougars extended their lead, with Jett Lajoie notching his first WHL goal at 2:19, followed by a Becher power-play tally. The Chiefs responded with Owen Martin's Teddy Bear Toss goal at 11:09, momentarily slowing the Cats' momentum.
Spokane narrowed the gap with two quick goals late in the period, courtesy of Ben Bonni at 18:52 and Berkly Catton at 19:19. Despite being outshot 13-7 in the second period, the Cougars maintained a 5-3 advantage.
Entering the third period, Matteo Danis solidified the victory for the Cougars, slipping one past Cooper Michaluk at 16:15 - his first goal as a Prince George Cougar.
The Chiefs outshot the Cougars 31-29.
With the win, the Cougars became the first WHL team this season to achieve the 20-victory milestone.
The team will wrap up their three-game series in as many nights Sunday in Portland starting at 5 p.m. (94.3 FM, The Goat).
