Cougars celebrate new ownership
A new ownership group means a new era for the Prince George Cougars.
And they're inviting everyone to join them today (Tuesday) at the CN Centre as the Cougars usher in that era, what they're dubbing as the new ice age in the Western Hockey League.
The Cats are hosting a free outdoor barbecue at 11:30 a.m. for fans, community supporters, and media.
Fans are then encouraged to stay for the media conference starting at 12:15 p.m. inside the arena. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cougars fans will be introduced to all members of the new ownership group, including Vancouver Canucks defenceman Dan Hamhuis, who will be speaking live at the event. Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman Eric Brewer is speaking via video messaging.
Other live speakers include team president Greg Pocock, WHL Commissioner Ron Robison and Prince George Mayor Shari Green.
Everyone is welcome to stay for a cake-cutting ceremony and a meet-and-greet with the new ownership group.
Kings captain off to college
Bryant Christian, the captain of the Prince George Spruce Kings for the 2013-14 season is taking his hockey game to the NCAA level.
Christian, a 20-year-old five-foot-10, 160-pound forward from Moorhead, Minn. has accepted a scholarship with the American International College Yellow Jackets for the 2014-15 season. The Yellow Jackets are an NCAA Division 1 team that competes in the Atlantic Hockey Conference.
"We're excited that Bryant has secured this scholarship," said Kings general manager Mike Hawes. "Bryant is a tremendous young man, a terrific team player who always led by example and a very good two-way player who contributes offensively while still matching up against the other team's best players every game."
Christian joined the Kings after attending the team's prospect camp in 2012. This season he tallied 14 goals and 23 assists in 45 games.
"Bryant is the type of young man and player that exemplifies the core values that it takes to be a Spruce King," said Hawes. "It was a pleasure having him here for two seasons and we wish him the best of luck at AIC."
CrossFit athletes tested
Prince George athlete Jon Gibson finished 14th overall at the Canada West CrossFit regional championships last weekend in Richmond.
Gibson, 24, tallied 117 points in the men's division after seven gruelling events at the Richmond Oval.
Lucas Parker, 24, of Victoria won the regional title with 19 points, followed by Tyson Takasaki, 26, of Winnipeg in second place with 37 points.
Prince George CrossFit athlete Travis Morgan, 34, finished 30th overall with 193 points.
His wife Quintina, 28, placed 26th overall in the women's division, accumulating 115 points.
Emily Abbot, 25, of Calgary won the women's title with 44 points, followed by 30-year-old Emily Beers of Vancouver with 51 points.
The top two men and women advance to the CrossFit World Games in Carson, Calif. in July.
