Local Sports

So far, the Richard Matvichuk era is an unqualified success. The new head coach of the Prince George Cougars sports a 2-0 record as a Western Hockey League bench boss thanks to season-opening wins in Victoria on the weekend.

A well-rounded attack helped the Cariboo Cougars open the B.C. Hockey Major Midget League regular season with a weekend sweep against the Kootenay Ice.

The University of Victoria Vikes left the UNBC Timberwolves still searching for their first win of the Canada West women's soccer season.

The Cariboo Cougars will have a new face in net as they take a run at a national championship this season. The Cougars, who will host the Telus Cup in April, have 17-year-old goaltender Zach Wickson on their roster as they start their B.C.

UNBC basketball fans have the chance to see the past and the future, all in one night. Tonight at the Northern Sport Centre, the UNBC Timberwolves basketball program will hold its annual alumni games. The women's teams will be on the floor at 5 p.m.

The short-staffed Prince George Cougars started the new Western Hockey League season with a win on Friday night at Save On Foods Memorial Centre. The Cougars beat to the host Victoria Royals 3-1.

The Prince George Spruce Kings broke a four-game losing streak, and picked up their first win of the B.C. Hockey League season, in emphatic fashion.

BRANDON WHEAT KINGS Last season: 48-18-4-2, first in East Division, won WHLtitle. General manager: Grant Armstrong (first season) replaces Kelly McCrimmon, who took an NHLjob. Head coach:David Anning (first season, fifth with team).

Friday night in Victoria, the Prince George Cougars open what has to be considered one of the most crucial seasons in the team's 23-year Western Hockey League history in Prince George.

A soccer powerhouse will be in Prince George tonight to trade kicks with the ever-building UNBC Timberwolves.