The Prince George Cougars are enjoying the view from the top.
For the first time in their 16-year history in Prince George, the Cougars are a first-place team in December.
The Cats racked up their fourth-straight victory Wednesday, a thrilling 4-3 decision over the Calgary Hitmen in front of 1,755 spectators at CN Centre.
Charles Inglis scored two goals, including the gamewinner, 9:53 into the third period. The 18-year-old Cougars centre took a pass from Sena Acolatse and rifled the puck past Brandon Glover.
Inglis opened the scoring 6:45 into the game and assisted on linemate Nick Buonassisi's power-play goal late in the period. Brett Connolly, with his team-leading 21st, scored 52 seconds into the middle frame.
The win left the Cougars (15-10-2-0) two points ahead of the Vancouver Giants and Kelowna Rockets atop the B.C. Division and moved the Cats one game above .500 in games this season at CN Centre (6-5-1-0). The Rockets climbed from third into a second-place tie with the Giants after a 3-2 win over the Seattle Thunderbirds Wednesday in Kelowna. The Hitmen (6-20-1-0) remained last-overall in the Western Hockey League.
Inglis's winner, his 12th of the season, came not long after goalie James Priestner robbed Hitmen centre Misha Fisenko on a partial breakaway. Inglis has six points, including four goals, in the past three games.
Shots were 40-32 in the Cougars' favour.
Jimmy Bubnick singlehandedly wiped out a 3-0 Cougars' lead. His first two goals, late in the second period, came 1:16 apart, and he completed the hat trick 4:11 into the third period. Fisenko finished with three assists.
The game marked the WHL debut of Prince George midget prospect Chase Witala. The 15-year-old rookie forward was called up from the Cariboo Cougars major midget team.
The Cougars play host Seattle Friday and Saturday at CN Centre. Game time both nights in 7 p.m.
Friday's game will be the first visit to Prince George this season for Thunderbirds six-foot-five, 217-pound left winger Mitch Elliot. Elliot, a six-foot-five, 217-pounder Prince George minor hockey product, has three goals and three assists in 26 games. The T-Birds also have former Cougar goalie Michael Salmon on the roster.
