In the first game of their 25th anniversary season, the Prince George Cougars earned a point against the host Victoria Royals.
In Western Hockey League action on Friday night, the Royals downed the Cougars 2-1 in a shootout. Victoria's Dino Kambeitz was the only shooter who found success in the one-on-one showdowns. His goal came in the fifth round against Prince George netminder Taylor Gauthier. Cougars shooters Ethan Browne, Vladislav Mikhalchuk, Max Kryski, Illijah Colina and Tyson Upper were all stymied by Griffen Outhouse.
In regulation time, there was no scoring until the third period. Josh Maser connected for the Cougars at 4:49 and Brandon Cutler replied for Victoria at 18:53.
The Royals outshot the Cougars 34-29.
A rematch is set for tonight.
