Prince George Cougars - Regular season

HOLY CRAPPOLA! THEY WON A FREAKIN GAME! haha....

And seriously, what's up with the shut outs in the WHL this year? Both of the cats wins now have come via the shut out...and their last 3 games, tonights included have been shut outs...losing 4-0 to Loops, 7-0 to Kelowna and then winning 4-0 against the Raiders tonight.

Anyways, tonights thoughts...

-Real Cyr. Nuff said with the name really. Buh-bye McLaughlin. I mean, sure, he hasn't played poorly, but with all indications pointing to a possible appearence by Pogge tomorrow night against Medicine Hat, and he WAS backup tonight, so he must be close enough that IF he had to go in, he could. Anyways, Back to Cyr. The kid was gold tonight. A few big saves, but really didn't have too many great scoring chances against. I like him.

-Byfuglien...well, he looked extremely disinterested one shift, and then the next he'd have 2 shots, 3 hits, and a few great passes....and then dissapear again. Why oh why can't he just put it all together and realize he has some talent, and a huge *** shot...USE IT!

-Drazenovic...IMO, one of, if not THE best player on the ice tonight. He was buzzing all night, and I really haven't anything bad to say about the guy. Scored a goal and was generally involved all night. Hitting, passing, going to the net, getting shots and playing solid positionally.

-Garbutt...I heard he was a waste of space when we traded for him. Well, thus far, he looks good enough to me. Scored twice tonight, one was kinda weak, the other was a beauty on the PP.

I REALLY wish I could say Chipchura was a force tonight, but for the most part he was invisible. He did nothing, but that's not saying much as basically all of the Raiders decided to take the night off. Their PP was horrid, although some credit MUST be given to the Cougs PK. They were making the Raiders force plays, and thus they ended up coughing it up quite a bit, only to have to retreat to pick it up and start over again.

Anyways, I'm sure there was more...In general, I thought the Cats played a safe game. The first was a little scrambly...but they calmed down enough and were able to take control late in the first and definitely into the 2nd period. I liked what I saw. Saturday night should be a true test though against the "other cats"...should be a good game there. I'd like to see Pogge get the start, but we'll see.

And with that, I'm off to sleepy land.

Good for the Cougars that they won. If they had have lost, the Spruce Kings might have had a chance to draw a better crowd tomorrow night.

At PG's last game in Kelowna I was so disapointed with Byfuglien. I liked him last year and was hoping this year he would dominate but wow he looked lost out there. A guy with his size and skill level should be putting up decent points, even from the blueline. He moves pretty quick to for a big guy, lets hope he gets his crap together.

At PG's last game in Kelowna I was so disapointed with Byfuglien. I liked him last year and was hoping this year he would dominate but wow he looked lost out there. A guy with his size and skill level should be putting up decent points, even from the blueline. He moves pretty quick to for a big guy, lets hope he gets his crap together.

I think his problem is that he doesn't want to play defence. Maybe playing like crap is his way of showing he wants to be up front.

I like him up front even strength to park his big ass in front of the net, and I like him on the point for the PP.

I agree. Put Byfuglien up front, move Featherstone back to Defense...I mean, Bufyglien was always joining the rush on Friday night, and then last night against Med. Hat he was doing the same, and often one of the first guys in.

The kid has SO much talent its not even funny. He's got one of the hardest shots in the league, yet doesn't seem to want to take it. He had the whole crowd yelling at hime to shoot the puck last night on one PP. RELUCTANTLY he sorta wound up and took it.

He could be such a force in this league, but it just doesn't look like he has it in him. Seriously, I'd love someone to just piss him off to know end. Then MAYBE he might decide to drop the gloves because god knows he won't do it otherwise. I can understand why he doesn't...I'm sure Lambert doesn't want him to, but my gawd, stick up for yourself kid....throw a hit...DO SOMETHING!

By the way, lost 2-0 last night, but they definitely out played the Tigers, unfortunately they either would miss the net, or hit the tender right in the stomach. He just wasn't really tested. Out shot Medicine Hat 25-18, but nothing going. Cougars last 4 games have been shut outs...5 of their first 6 have been shutouts....yikes.

I agree. Put Byfuglien up front, move Featherstone back to Defense...I mean, Bufyglien was always joining the rush on Friday night, and then last night against Med. Hat he was doing the same, and often one of the first guys in.

The kid has SO much talent its not even funny. He's got one of the hardest shots in the league, yet doesn't seem to want to take it. He had the whole crowd yelling at hime to shoot the puck last night on one PP. RELUCTANTLY he sorta wound up and took it.

He could be such a force in this league, but it just doesn't look like he has it in him. Seriously, I'd love someone to just piss him off to know end. Then MAYBE he might decide to drop the gloves because god knows he won't do it otherwise. I can understand why he doesn't...I'm sure Lambert doesn't want him to, but my gawd, stick up for yourself kid....throw a hit...DO SOMETHING!.


Sounds like Lambert has the Cougars playing defense first this year. Are they playing the trap, or are they just not allowing the defence to join the rush. Also, any word on the imports or last years first round pick out of Calgary (Twysten sp who is supposed to be a good goal scorer).

I like how Lukacovic is working out. He looks like a smart player, but lacks a little size. Generally though, I have no complaints from him thus far as he has been the most consistant player. The other import hasn't arrived yet, as apparently they are having trouble getting his release....go figure.

And it's not so much that Lambert has them playing the trap, because they aren't. And it's not so much that the defense isn't joining the rush, because they are...I think the Cougars are simply playing better positionally, and are pressuring the puck carrier that much more and forcing them to cough up the puck.

I mean, through half the game against Medicine Hat on Saturday, the Tigers had all of 6 shots. Mind you, the Cougars didn't have many more...11 I believe, but still...holding M.H to 18 shots is a good accomplishment, and the Cougs definitely deserved to win that game. It's just a matter of when their goal scoring gets going.

Swysten is playing JrA(???) at home this year I believe. Reports state that his mom wants him to finish highschool at home, and then decide to go to Cougs...OTHER reports have stated that he doesn't want anything to do with the WHL however and that he's leaning towards a scholly down south....I believe that's what I heard/read....

I saw Byfuglien walking around the mall this morning. He looks a lot lighter than he did even as recent as training camp, when he looked better than he did last season. I gotta give the guy credit...he is dropping the excess weight. Now he just needs to get his head into the game on the ice.

As far as I have heard, Siarhei Kolasau isn't coming over. Again, from what I have heard (through the grapevine), it is a combination of him not being able to get a release from his team and that he can't get the proper immigration documentation. I'll try to find out if he is playing in Belarus. I know a few guys in Europe who should know.

Cougs lost in OT tonight...but held the Giants to 16 shots according to the WHL website...interesting stat there says that Cyr turned away 13 of 16 shots...yet the final score was 4-3....so...who was the lucky cougar that put in their own net?!?! Byfuglien I'm looknig your way!!!

Also, Yeo took a penalty in OT at 3:42, and then at 3:43 of OT, the Giants score....that just sucks. Oh well though, to hold a team like the Giants to around 16 shots, there simply nothing wrong with that. It's just really too bad that the cougars went 3 for 6 on the PK tonight...otherwise the score looks like it could've gone the other way...

Also, on the bright side, Byfuglien, Lukacovic and Lapointe all got their first goals of the year.... :eek: it's about time!

I'm liking Lukacovic the more I see of him...had 2pts tonight so he looks like he may be adjusting nicely to WHL hockey. Looks as though he MAY become a decent defenseman - at least in the dub....

Finally, while at the games on the weekend, I noticed 2 things. First, Saturday nights crowd was larger than Friday nights crowd - this is good. Secondly, teams just aren't afraid to come down and go wide on our dmen. MAN how I miss having Hamhuis and Wedderburn who would actually punish people if they tried to go wide...You just don't see our Dmen doing that at all.

Oh well, I'm happy with a point tonight...it's a definite start, and atleast a decent start to the road trip. Hopefully they can string a couple wins together before they come back home!

Finally, while at the games on the weekend, I noticed 2 things. First, Saturday nights crowd was larger than Friday nights crowd - this is good.

That's only because they had beaten Prince Albert 4-0 on the Friday night. If the Cougars would have lost, the crowd at the Coliseum watching the Spruce Kings could have rivaled the crowd at the Multiplex for the Saturday games.

If anybody is in PG, get your hockey fix at the Coliseum this weekend while the Cougars are on the road. The Spruce Kings host Powell River on Friday night and Alberni Valley on Sunday night. And just incase you don't know, the Spruce Kings are off to one unreal start. They are 10-2-0-1, good enough for top spot in the Interior Conference.

That's only because they had beaten Prince Albert 4-0 on the Friday night. If the Cougars would have lost, the crowd at the Coliseum watching the Spruce Kings could have rivaled the crowd at the Multiplex for the Saturday games.

If anybody is in PG, get your hockey fix at the Coliseum this weekend while the Cougars are on the road. The Spruce Kings host Powell River on Friday night and Alberni Valley on Sunday night. And just incase you don't know, the Spruce Kings are off to one unreal start. They are 10-2-0-1, good enough for top spot in the Interior Conference.
I want to go to the Bulldogs game as former Saskatoon blade, and a good friend of mine, Rob Woods signed on there....so it'd be nice to see him play...

but yes, I realize that the crowds at the coliseum would rival what would've been at the Plex HAD the cougs lost...but that's a moot point.

Why hasn't Justin Pogge seen any time since coming back?

Why hasn't Justin Pogge seen any time since coming back?
Pogge hasn't seen any action yet because he was JUST brought of the DL last week towards the end, and he's still getting back his timing. Obiously with the way Cyr has played as well, there's really no need to rush Pogge back. That being said, I'd look for Pogge to PROBABLY start against Tri-City...at least, that's who I'd start him against if I were lambert

so I was right about Pogge playing the other night,......now what do the Cats have to do to get back on the winning ways? I mean...yikes...Maybe they should just play an all out defensive system, 100% total trap. they need to do something because this is just getting ugly. They can't score. At all. At the rate they are gonig, they'll be lucky to break 100 goals this year....my gawd.

I think Lambert, Malgunas and Thompson need to sit down and figure out a game plan...because something isn't right!

I'll tell you what isn't right.

Nobody wants to play here. Prince George = Rick Brodsky, and nobody wants to play for his team. Everybody knows he is the cheapest man alive. He wouldn't even buy the players a tape of this season's first episode of Cougar View that was a tribute to Mike Fogolin.

Not only is he cheap, but he thinks he is a hockey person qualified to make hockey decisions for the team. He tells management what they can and cannot do. It is no coincidence that the vast majority of the Cougars' transactions are made with Saskatoon, owned by Rick's brother.

My bet is that Lambert and Malgunas won't last much longer than this season, and they won't be fired, they'll quit. Thompson will stay. He has a job for life, being married to the owner's daughter, who is "coincidently" the team's business manager.

I know a lot of people who had season tickets for the first 8-9 years that the Cougars were here. Winning a championship is only half of the problem. The team is run by a family show, with a very cheap owner. The people know it, and that is why attendance will keep plummeting, no matter how many games the Cougars win.

I had the pleasure of talking with Stu Malgunas here in Everett last year (played for the T-birds when I used to take in a few Seattle games.

Now I am a season ticket holder of the Tips and wish I was up there in PG for the weekend!

Looking forward to your accounts of the games. It was last year in Prince George that the Tips really started to make some noise. Mike Wall, (former Cougar) went in and stoned his old team and those four points turned our season around.

Keep me posted, especially interested in your take on the Zack Hamill, Brady Calla, Tyler Deitrich line. Good or bad. Hamill and Calla are '88 born kids and I think they are going to jell and make some noise in the Dub...

I'll tell you what isn't right.

Nobody wants to play here. Prince George = Rick Brodsky, and nobody wants to play for his team. Everybody knows he is the cheapest man alive. He wouldn't even buy the players a tape of this season's first episode of Cougar View that was a tribute to Mike Fogolin.

Not only is he cheap, but he thinks he is a hockey person qualified to make hockey decisions for the team. He tells management what they can and cannot do. It is no coincidence that the vast majority of the Cougars' transactions are made with Saskatoon, owned by Rick's brother.

My bet is that Lambert and Malgunas won't last much longer than this season, and they won't be fired, they'll quit. Thompson will stay. He has a job for life, being married to the owner's daughter, who is "coincidently" the team's business manager.

I know a lot of people who had season tickets for the first 8-9 years that the Cougars were here. Winning a championship is only half of the problem. The team is run by a family show, with a very cheap owner. The people know it, and that is why attendance will keep plummeting, no matter how many games the Cougars win.


I just thought I would respond to my own stuff here...

An example of such a player is Dan Idema. He decided trying his luck in the Dutch pro league was better than playing as an overager in Prince George. Well, that didn't work out and Idema is now playing for the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL. The guy is from Delta, BC, and he chose Europe (Holland of all hockey countries) and Ontario over Prince George, which is obviously much closer to home.

I wonder how many more will refuse to play here before Brodsky recognizes the problem that is himself.

Well...entertaining weekend from the sounds of things.

First things first....2 games, 2 wins. Can't go wrong with that. I couldn't make it to either game as I had a game Friday night, and then same with Saturday night. Anyways, 2 for 2 is a good way to get things going now!

Pogge...2 starts, 2 wins. Looks good. The team held Everett to 14 shots on Friday night - you really can't go wrong with that!

Drazenovic scored again :yo: he's now got 5 on the year

But from all accounts, I'd just like to say what I've been hearing. My neighbor who is and has been a season tickets holder for a number of years now, said Friday nights game was the best he's seen the Cougs play in 3 years. As it stands, I'd say the only actual weak spot on the team is defense, but if they commit to a defense first system, I'm fine with it. The goals will, and are starting to come. I mean, their last 3 games, that's 11GF with only 7GA. They have the talent, it's just a matter of getting some confidence back.

Also nice to see a PP goal or 2 going in now. Sure, only 2 for 13 this weekend, but they were 2 for 4 against the blades. It's there, and it's slowly coming together!

Brandon is in town this wedensday...hopefully they can turn their 3 game unbeaten streak into a 3 game win streak and 4 game unbeaten streak

After a shaky start, how's Pogge looking?

if this weekend was any indication...he's looking better. I'd say his knee may not have been 100% when he came back, but from all reports he's looking good on the ice and going down, and getting up normally again.

His first few games he was obviously favoring the knee - this was evident by a few of the goals that he let in, they were rather weak, and a lot were shots he'd normally save.

But, as it looks right now, the Pogge that stole the show from December on last year is back, and that's a good thing for the cats!

That's good.

:D

I went to Saturday's game. I didn't think anybody really stood out, goaltenders included...on both sides.

The first two and a half periods would have even put the most hardcore defensive specialist fans to sleep...it was that bad. Not to take anything away from Drazenovic, but his 5th goal was somewhat weak. It was a slapshot that got between the goaltender's arm and body, but it woke the team up so they could get the next two goals. Nick's goal was weak, but it was clutch.

Being at the game, I have to comment on the poor attendance. It was announced at over 3,200 ...but there were 2,500 max in the arena, on a Saturday night with little to nothing else going on in town. When the Cougars scored their 3rd goal of the game, the fans in the building made a hell of a lot of noise. I can only remember back to the late 90s when there was 6,000 people in the Multiplex going nuts for Blair Betts' playoff series winners against Portland and Kamloops to imagine what the noise would have been like had there been a big crowd for the game Saturday night.

It's not that people in PG don't love this team anymore. They hate how it is being run. I know several people who gave up their season tickets after 9-10 years (since the Cougars arrived) and their most common answer is, "Rick Brodsky is a cheap ****er."

I went to Saturday's game. I didn't think anybody really stood out, goaltenders included...on both sides.

The first two and a half periods would have even put the most hardcore defensive specialist fans to sleep...it was that bad. Not to take anything away from Drazenovic, but his 5th goal was somewhat weak. It was a slapshot that got between the goaltender's arm and body, but it woke the team up so they could get the next two goals. Nick's goal was weak, but it was clutch.

Being at the game, I have to comment on the poor attendance. It was announced at over 3,200 ...but there were 2,500 max in the arena, on a Saturday night with little to nothing else going on in town. When the Cougars scored their 3rd goal of the game, the fans in the building made a hell of a lot of noise. I can only remember back to the late 90s when there was 6,000 people in the Multiplex going nuts for Blair Betts' playoff series winners against Portland and Kamloops to imagine what the noise would have been like had there been a big crowd for the game Saturday night.

It's not that people in PG don't love this team anymore. They hate how it is being run. I know several people who gave up their season tickets after 9-10 years (since the Cougars arrived) and their most common answer is, "Rick Brodsky is a cheap ****er."

What a shame that Brodsky is running this proud franchise into the ground. When I left PG 4 years ago, all the hockey people in the pulp mills were saying the same thing that you are. They all hoped that he would take a hands off approach to the team, and let hockey people run the hockey operations. Everyone wanted to see a fresh start to the franchise so that they could get back on the band wagon and support the franchise fully.

Instead, he had his drunken friends Luby (GM at that time) and Smart (Head Scout) making all the hockey decisions (after consultation with Brodsky). I see that he now has promoted his immediate family into the major roles.

I had hoped that Thompson might be a hockey man who could help out the situation (even though as a son in law he would be under the finger of Brodsky). I can see that he is not. He has continued the tradition of poor trades (look at all the draft picks he has wasted on the overagers), poor communication (Twysten and Idema would not even report to PG), and poor scouting (why can't we get any imports that can play the game into this town).

It is a sad situation. The fans are having there say however, and Brodsky must be feeling the economic pinch of having a half empty rink. It's a shame that the players have to put up with this. Perhaps PG will run Brodsky out of town, just like Saskatoon did to Lubinieki many years before.

If there is one guy I will step up for ...somewhat, it is Dallas Thompson. Yeah, he's married to the owner's daughter, who is the team's business manager, but at least he played in the league at one point, making him more of a hockey person than anybody else in the front office.

Dallas made the first ever trade between Prince George and Kamloops. In Idema's case, you can look at both sides. You can argue that the Cougars didn't do enough to make him want to stay, but you can also look at Idema's thinking...why would he want to go from a WHL Champion to a last-place team? Idema was quite selfish.

In Swystun's case, his mother wants him to finish high school in Alberta. Whether or not Swystun wants to go the NCAA route is not clear yet, but there is a chance he could be in PG next season.

But in general, yes, the Prince George Cougars are a family show, and the people here know it.

I am looking forward to seeing the Cougs again this Friday... Only my 2nd regular season Rockets game this year, and like the first one I get to see the Cougs.....

Hopefully Byfuglien comes to play this time...One of my favorite WHL players when he gets his crap together.

Well, Blanchette now WON'T be taking up a 20 year old spot with the Cougars as it appears he won't be reporting to them.

He apparently signed on with.....Camrose in the AJHL, and will be going there to play out the year.

So....that means the cougars get their 6th round pick by...likely, and will still be looking for an Overager to fill that whole.

Personally, I say forget the 20yr old, move Featherstone back to D and then bring back one or 2 of the late cuts...someone like Bosecke who had a decent showing at camp...The cougars have a decent team, but let's be honest here, let the young guys play, and then start to make some noise next season!

At the same token, if you get that overage leadership for the young guys, you could possibly make noise this season....and considering the continuous drop in attendance, the Cougars should be desperate for a winning team NOW.

The Cougars have been rebuilding since 1998. Fans in PG are sick of it.

Well, Blanchette now WON'T be taking up a 20 year old spot with the Cougars as it appears he won't be reporting to them.

He apparently signed on with.....Camrose in the AJHL, and will be going there to play out the year.

So....that means the cougars get their 6th round pick by...likely, and will still be looking for an Overager to fill that whole.

Personally, I say forget the 20yr old, move Featherstone back to D and then bring back one or 2 of the late cuts...someone like Bosecke who had a decent showing at camp...The cougars have a decent team, but let's be honest here, let the young guys play, and then start to make some noise next season!

What was Blanchette's reason for not joining the Cougars (did he talk publicly about his resevations). Prince is sure getting a black eye in this league. Moulton, Idema, Blanchette, and Swyston all turning away from this team.

Isn't the Camrose Kodiaks the team that Swyston is playing for this year? If so, Blanchette filling his ear with reasons not to join the Cougars is not good news for the Cougars chances of getting him signed on. Maybe Thompson will make another trade (Swyston) where he is at a hopeless disadvantage.

When will Brodsky learn that he has to turn the team over to hockey people. The only two years of success that the Cougars had, were the years when Polonich and Butler had control of the team. Funny that they were both run out of town by Brodsky, when they wouldn't bend to his control over the hockey decisions.

According to Blanchette, and the PG Citizen, Blanchette had stated to his parents that if he was not going to finish this year with the Brandon organization, that he'd return home - I'm assuming he's from Camrose - to play Jr A....He also mentioned that he liked their chances of making a charge at the Royal Bank Cup.

So honestly, who's to say whether or not he's telling the truth, but I mean, if he IS, I can at least respect that decision a little more than just not reporting...**cough**Idema**cough**

According to Blanchette, and the PG Citizen, Blanchette had stated to his parents that if he was not going to finish this year with the Brandon organization, that he'd return home - I'm assuming he's from Camrose - to play Jr A....He also mentioned that he liked their chances of making a charge at the Royal Bank Cup.

So honestly, who's to say whether or not he's telling the truth, but I mean, if he IS, I can at least respect that decision a little more than just not reporting...**cough**Idema**cough**

I don't understand why Cougars GM Dallas Thompson didn't have all the details worked out before he announced this trade. Did the Cougars lose the draft pick on this player, or did they at least make provision that he conditionally play for the team before the draft pick changed hands.

Also, why wouldn't Thompson have spoken to the player, before he traded for him. Why would you want to choose a player who does not want to play for your franchise. This shoddy managing is just another reason why the Cougars management is a joke. Prince George fans are knowledgeable hockey people, and it is any wonder that they are upset with the Brodsky bannana's. PG should start a petition to get rid of this seedy bozo!! Or better yet, they should all walk out of a game to show the management their displeasure.

Well, for me, it's not even so much about the Cougars, as it is about hockey. I live and breathe and sleep hockey. My life, as dumb and as useless as it is, revolves around hockey. You'd think I would grow out of this...but it just doesn't happen. It keeps me sane.

However, yes, I agree - MAYBE Dallas should've made sure that Blanchette was coming. He didn't...oh well. We get our pick back as it WAS conditional on Blanchette reporting. Nothing gained, nothing lost. There are still 20 year olds out there to be had.

I really wish that it would stop being a family run business, but everyone knows that won't happen. The talent is there, and Lambert ISN'T a useless coach - and from what I've seen this year, the Cats have outplayed the majority of teams that have come through town.

I think Thompson is man enough to stand up and make the right decisions. I won't give him poor marks for this trade as it hasn't cost the team anything. At least he's trying to do something, which is much different then what Lubie was trying to do the past couple seasons.

I don't understand why Cougars GM Dallas Thompson didn't have all the details worked out before he announced this trade. Did the Cougars lose the draft pick on this player, or did they at least make provision that he conditionally play for the team before the draft pick changed hands.

Also, why wouldn't Thompson have spoken to the player, before he traded for him. Why would you want to choose a player who does not want to play for your franchise. This shoddy managing is just another reason why the Cougars management is a joke. Prince George fans are knowledgeable hockey people, and it is any wonder that they are upset with the Brodsky bannana's. PG should start a petition to get rid of this seedy bozo!! Or better yet, they should all walk out of a game to show the management their displeasure.

1. I'm not 100% up to speed on WHL regulations, but I doubt Thompson was allowed to speak with Blanchette unless Brandon gave him permission. Thompson did speak to former Cougar and Wheat King Brett Dickie before making the trade, so that shows some effort on his part.

2. As Chris said, the deal was conditional, so the Cougars don't lose anything.

Unfortunately, things like this are a reality of junior hockey. Sometimes general managers are put in a position where they have to make deals that don't work until one actually works.

Good game by the COugs otnight, totally outplayed the Rockets.

What can I say, Byfuglien 1st star. He was all over the ice! :bow: :bow:

Question: Is Byfuglien pronounced ''Buff-a-linn'' ?

si senor....si :D

There was talking last year that it's actually pronouced By-fug-lien...aka phonetically...but it's all gone back to Buff-a-linn....

either way, he's picked up his game...which is a good thing for the Cougars :D

si senor....si :D

There was talking last year that it's actually pronouced By-fug-lien...aka phonetically...but it's all gone back to Buff-a-linn....

either way, he's picked up his game...which is a good thing for the Cougars :D

Yeah, no matter how you pronounce his name, he's a 260 pound beast. :yo:

According to Dustin, it's buff-a-lin.

According to Dustin's mom, it's by-foog-lien.

Pogge has a couple SO's, anyone seen him play in the two games?

Oh man, was ol' Sutter PISSED last night.

He sent half his bench, early in the 3rd, to the showers....YIKES! At points during the 3rd period, Red Deer had 5 skaters on the bench...goalie included....5 skaters on the ice, and no one in the box. I would have LOVED to have been a fly on the wall in the dressing room of Red Deer last night...haha...I figured if me and my girlfriend had stayed around long enough last night after the game, we would've seen the players running around the plex, if not back on the ice skating...BUT, that's what happens when you decide not to show up for a game, you have no reason to not show up for!

The Rebels and Cougs played pretty even for the first 40mins....I'd even give the advantage to the Rebels until a Lambert time out in the 2nd period. After that, it was all Cougars.

3-2 headed to the 3rd period...then it seemed everything they put on net found it's way in. Dustin Byfuglien had a couple beauty goals...one nice wrist shot that he just seemed to flick on net, but blew past Festa.

Quite the enjoyable game...Crowd was into it, as sparce as it was, still not a bad turn out for an early sunday night, football day, hockey game. But that win was something else. There were some very pretty goals, and at times, it really looked like the Cougars were simply toying with Red Deer. Sutter was absolutely disgusted...he wasn't saying much, but you could see it...

On another note - got my tickets for Brad May and Friends :D Section P, row 11...go Chris go!

man the cougers were flying last night.
Chris where were you sitting? i was in section PQ row 16

bubba was awsome sniping two top corners and getting 2 assists. Pogge wasnt tremondos it shoulda been 9-1 that 1st goal by RD was brutal.

I was section L, row 11, seats 1 and 2...haha...well, my girlfriend was seat 1, I was seat 2...so we were in relative close proximity...

And totally agree....looked to me like Pogge should'v had the first one, but the way he went down, it looked like he was expecting pass....oh well...

I liked the way however, after he got beat, he went back to his basics right away and replayed what he did right there. Back into his crouch, and down on the first one, and then across on the second one. You don't see many goalies doing that.

How about that Justin Pogge ... racking up the shut outs this season ..

:handclap:

he really is.

I still think there are some effects from the knee injury lingering, or he just gets bored because the Cougars a clearly a defense first team now, and are allowing FAR less shots than the past years, but he is letting in that 1 or 2 softies a game, that just shouldn't go in.

He's a damn good goalie though, who IMO is vastly underrated in the WHL and the CHL in general.

There's a reason the Leafs used there 1st pick on him.... GO POGGE GO!

I'd like to see the Leafs check out Real Cyr, his numbers are pretty good.

haha...ya, we'll just keep shipping our goalies to Ontario teams...Billy Thompson to Ottawa and Ford and Pogge to the Leafs...haha..

Cyr has looked quite good in the games I've seen him in this year too. He's cut from much the same mold as Pogge too. Big goalie, agile, and basically just plays big.

Never ever mention Todd Ford again. EVER!

This board is so slow this year. Couple that with not having my subscription to the PG citizen, and I never hear of the Cougars.

I went to the Spokane game, and came away quite impressed with the work ethic of the Cougars. They dominated the Chiefs until the Johnson fight, and then seemed to lose focus (understandable when you see a team mate carried off on a stretcher) for the rest of the game.

I think the Byguglien hit at the end of the game was caused by frustration. Bubba and Deines challenged Spokane players the rest of the way (after the fight) and were repeatedly turned down. I think that Bubba wanted to send a clear message to Spokane that he will stand up for his team mates.

I also think that Reich will be in for trouble when the Chiefs play their next game in PG. Players from the cougars bench were yelling at him after the fight. It looked to me like he didn't give Johnson a break. He had him at his mercy (sweater pulled over his head) and did not let up until JJ slumped to the ice. He threw at least 2 upper cuts that were not needed. Even though he is sixteen, I think that he will get a visit from Deines next game.

Any new news on this team.
1) Have there been any trade rumours on who will fill the final overage spot?
2) Any word on suspensions after the Chiefs game?
3) Have the cougars made progress with the second import player?
4) How is the import that they have been playing? (didn't notice him in Spokane)
5) Any news on Swystun (he made team Pacific) coming to PG next year?
6) Any news on first overall pick Kerr?
7) When will Zimmer be coming back?
8) Is Cyr the next great WHL goalkeeper?
9) Why is Lapointe playing so poorly?

This board is so slow this year. Couple that with not having my subscription to the PG citizen, and I never hear of the Cougars.

I went to the Spokane game, and came away quite impressed with the work ethic of the Cougars. They dominated the Chiefs until the Johnson fight, and then seemed to lose focus (understandable when you see a team mate carried off on a stretcher) for the rest of the game.

I think the Byguglien hit at the end of the game was caused by frustration. Bubba and Deines challenged Spokane players the rest of the way (after the fight) and were repeatedly turned down. I think that Bubba wanted to send a clear message to Spokane that he will stand up for his team mates.

I also think that Reich will be in for trouble when the Chiefs play their next game in PG. Players from the cougars bench were yelling at him after the fight. It looked to me like he didn't give Johnson a break. He had him at his mercy (sweater pulled over his head) and did not let up until JJ slumped to the ice. He threw at least 2 upper cuts that were not needed. Even though he is sixteen, I think that he will get a visit from Deines next game.

Any new news on this team.
1) Have there been any trade rumours on who will fill the final overage spot?
2) Any word on suspensions after the Chiefs game?
3) Have the cougars made progress with the second import player?
4) How is the import that they have been playing? (didn't notice him in Spokane)
5) Any news on Swystun (he made team Pacific) coming to PG next year?
6) Any news on first overall pick Kerr?
7) When will Zimmer be coming back?
8) Is Cyr the next great WHL goalkeeper?
9) Why is Lapointe playing so poorly?
Well, what you saw in Spoke is basically the story for the Cougars since they started to turn it around. They generally out play the other team, for the full game...and they generally keep shot totals low, as I'm sure you could tell going to the WHL site to check out game summaries.

Byfuglien WILL get suspended, but after Lambert and Thompson saw the tape, they both believe it won't be as harsh as was initially thought, and Lambert even took back some harsh words he had to say about Bubba following the game the other night.

No word on someone filling the OA spot, I'm really not sure they will as the team as a whole seems to be a pretty tight-knit group this year, although a 20yr old that can put the puck in the net would help.

Regarding the import - nothing new...haha.

I think it is believed that Swyston will be here next year, and I believe the Cougars are anticipating this, although things do change, but we'll see. I think he'll be here.

Kerr will be suiting up tonight in Kamloops actually. Obviously won't see a lot of ice time, but the Cougars would like to get him his 5 games it would appear. His only request was that his debut wasn't in Vancouver as there'd be too much attention put towards him, and he'd rather do it on the road. Initially was supposed to be against Everett, but that would've meant 5 games in 5 days for him, so they changed it to this game against the Blazers tonight.

With regards to Lukacovic, I've got nothing but praise. Any of the games i've seen, he's played well. He's not afraid to mix it up, and he's a good skater. His only knock appears to be his size, but even that hasn't hindered him too much. Looks like an actual DECENT import :eek:

Last I heard on Zimmer was that his rehab had him gettting on the ice...possibly late last week, or this week. But I think the Cougars are holding out hope that he is able to get a game or 2 in before Christmas. Zimmer said in an interview that things are getting better as well - so hopefully he's only a few weeks away

Cyr = yes. Pogge clone? Possible, their play is strikingly similar. Both big goalies who cover the net well. I like :bow: Cyr is also getting the start again tonight apparently. Wondering if Lambert is going to use Cyr now to make Pogge work that much harder and get that much more focussed???

And finally, it's not as though Lapointe is playing poorly. Lambert stated that he's had him in a primarily defensive role, but says he expects more out of him now...so whether or not htat's a bit of a green light for Lapointe is uncertain to me, but from what I've seen, it looks as though he's just trying to take care of business in his own end first and foremost.

scratch what I said about Byfuglien...

he's got 3 games, Fuller got 3 games, the 2 spokane players, Lynch and Stoes(sp?) got 3 games.

Lambert and Conroy both got a game, and each team fine $2500

Didn't they say bfyuglien was most talented player to EVER play in pg?

Some management guy said that he is better than s.niedermayer and chara when they played there


MY HAWKS HAVE PLANS AND WE HAVE BARKER AND SEABROOK TOO IN THE WHL!!!

As for Justin Pogge (leafs) I was told he may be a little above average NHL backup down the road

Didn't they say bfyuglien was most talented player to EVER play in pg?

Some management guy said that he is better than s.niedermayer and chara when they played there


1. Scott Niedermayer never played here. He played in Kamloops. Either way, he was in the NHL a couple years before the Cougars moved here from Victoria.

2. As for the comment, not even close. The most talented player to play here was imo Dan Hamhuis. You could also make an argument for Eric Brewer and Trent Hunter.

Byfuglien is good, but he does have issues questioning whether his head is completely focused on the game, and his obvious weight issues as well.

What a disgusting hockey game tonight. If I wasn't sitting with a couple fellow officials with whom I could chat with, I would have fallen asleep during the first 55 minutes of the game.

The overtime was great though. We were sitting right by Raphael when he told Lapointe he needed his stick for a curve measurement. As soon as that happened, Lapointe rolled his eyes, and as soon as he did that, I looked at the guys and said, "his stick's illegal"...and it was.

My only question is why the hell did Regina have to provide the stick gauge. I don't think Raphael was too lazy to go get his own, so he must not have had one. :dunce:

I will say that the fans booing an illegal stick penalty, and Lane Lambert even having the littlest thing to say about it, is the dumbest thing I have ever heard and seen. The stick is illegal. What is to ***** about?

Poetic justice that PG won the game after the penalty kill though. I just wish somebody other than Hunter would have scored. That guy is so f'ing dirty. I can't wait until he gets what is coming to him.

BTW, I saw Byfuglien walking around in his baby blue suit. He actually looks about 50 pounds lighter than when he played his first games as a Cougar. :handclap:

The overtime was great though. We were sitting right by Raphael when he told Lapointe he needed his stick for a curve measurement. As soon as that happened, Lapointe rolled his eyes, and as soon as he did that, I looked at the guys and said, "his stick's illegal"...and it was.

My only question is why the hell did Regina have to provide the stick gauge. I don't think Raphael was too lazy to go get his own, so he must not have had one. :dunce:

I will say that the fans booing an illegal stick penalty, and Lane Lambert even having the littlest thing to say about it, is the dumbest thing I have ever heard and seen. The stick is illegal. What is to ***** about?



Could the fans reaction have something to do with the ref's using the Regina stick measurement device? Inexcusable for this group of officials to not have the stick measurer available. In my opinion, this measurement should not have been taken without official refs equipment. This head ref should get a suspension by the league for not having the proper equipment available.

Could the fans reaction have something to do with the ref's using the Regina stick measurement device? Inexcusable for this group of officials to not have the stick measurer available. In my opinion, this measurement should not have been taken without official refs equipment. This head ref should get a suspension by the league for not having the proper equipment available.

Do you honestly think the referee would have used the gauge if it wasn't a legitimate piece of equipment?

I would rather them use the gauge out of Regina's bag than a piece of string and tape measure.

Yeah, the referee should have had one (for all we know, he might have had one in his bag and didn't go get it for whatever reason), but we can't question the legitimacy of the call.

Actually, if I were the cougars, I would have been arguing using Reginas stick gauge. I don't care if it's legit or not. The ref should have had one. I don't doubt that Regina's wasn't legitimate, BUT, it's still jr hockey and theres some shady things that go down once in while....

And yes, sweet and utter poetic Justice for the Cougs to win that game in OT....simply awesome, and a great 4 on 3 kill as well. they were getting sticks in lanes and getting body's in the shooting lanes as well. Regina didn't really get anymore than 1, MAYBE 2 above average chances to score.....although...there was a 2 on 1 that the Cougars had and no shot came of it...THAT was pathetic. the dman didn't play it that well...geeez..

And definitely agree that it was one of the most boring and sloppy played games at the Plex that I've ever seen.

I did like the look of Ryan Gillen....him and Wishart as a defensive pair are somewhat scarey - although GOOD GAWD does Wishart look more mature and calm than a 16 year old rookie! But if Gillen and Wishart can continue to improve, and they stay with the team, that'll be one HUGE and intimidating defensive pair at 6-7 230lbs for Gillen and 6-4/6-5ish 189lbs for Wishart.....

Thought Cyr played well again. Here's hoping he gets a few more starts now, and Lambert is smart enough to use each goalie to push the other one....The Regina goal BARELY got in. Cyr just couldn't close his arm enough coming across...it was one of those goals where you look behind you and everything is slo-mo, yet you still can't reach back and do anything for some reason.

Byfuglien, looked like a fool....ok, maybe not...but seriously....baby blue? sun glasses? Ya.....no. lol. He does however look consideribly lighter...still a HUGE boy though. You can tell they miss him on the ice though...hopefully he doesn't take another match or anything this year...lol

And sure, Hunter is dirty...but when he wants to play, he can. He changed the game himself. He swung the momentum and forced the Pats to take a T/O....Scored the GTG then went out and threw not ONE, but TWO big hits in which Pat players were slow to get up from...then scored the GWG in OT....I thought him and Dracenovic were easily the best 2 cougars outside of Cyr and IMO Wishart

Actually, if I were the cougars, I would have been arguing using Reginas stick gauge. I don't care if it's legit or not. The ref should have had one. I don't doubt that Regina's wasn't legitimate, BUT, it's still jr hockey and theres some shady things that go down once in while....


Coming from a team standpoint, I probably would too. Coming from an officiating standpoint, if I wasn't 100% sure the gauge was legitimate and official, I wouldn't use it.

I won't hammer Raphael for not having one because we don't know why he didn't have one. Don't forget that these referees fly to Prince George (and other cities). When they fly, they carry their jerseys and skates (if they can get the blades past security) on board, while their gear is in cargo. Perhaps his luggage got lost. It's happened before.

I don't doubt it at all...I just think that if he doesn't have one w/him then it shouldn't be called using the Pats stick gauge....my dad, who's coached in BC for some 30+ years now as well thought it was an extremely odd situation as well and thought there might've been something a little fishy...lol...and he's a cop! he knows his fishy situations! lol

I don't doubt it at all...I just think that if he doesn't have one w/him then it shouldn't be called using the Pats stick gauge....my dad, who's coached in BC for some 30+ years now as well thought it was an extremely odd situation as well and thought there might've been something a little fishy...lol...and he's a cop! he knows his fishy situations! lol

I sat with 2 other officials (non-WHL), and we thought it was weird too. We're also more hesitant to jump to conclusions on criticizing officials, for obvious reasons. ;)

The way I see it, is no matter where the gauge came from, the measurement had to be made. It looked like Raphael and Koch were having a tough enough time with the string and tape measure.

What I would have done in Raphael's situation, is if I didn't have a gauge and the string and tape measure wasn't working, I would have gone to the home team and asked them if they had a gauge (after all, if we get clipped or have equipment problems, we go to the home trainer or equipment manager). Personally, I don't think Lambert would have let his gauge measure his player's stick.

Either that, or once Regina brought out their gauge, before going back to the referee's circle, I would have shown the gauge to Lambert and told him it was legal, official ("you can see it for yourself") and it was going to measure Lapointe's stick whether he likes it or not. That way, Lambert would have had no argument whatsoever.

Bottom line, the call was made right. Not even Lambert can argue that, and he seems to find a way to argue anything that doesn't go his way.


Another thing that comes to mind, is at the WHL level, why don't the off-ice officials have a stick gauge? One should be in the timekeeper's booth ready for use.

You'd totally think they'd have one there....definitely odd.

And agree about going to the home teams bench. I would've done that first, and then if they didn't have one, take the one presented by Regina, like you said, show it to Lambert, and then make the measurement.

There's no doubt the blade was illegal. The right call WAS made, it's just the way they went about making it that bothered me, and I believe most fans, as well as Lambert. Oh well. No biggie, cats win, entertaining 2nd, 3rd and OT.

And like was said in the citizen today, it's not as though Hunt wanted to make the call, but he wanted to show trust in his players discretion and it wasn't a divisional game and they were leaving w/a point anyways.

Rumour had it at the arena tonight that Danny Lapointe has been released by the Cougars as a result of his team-imposed indefinite suspension for breaking curfew this week. Some people were also under the impression that Thompson has a deal ready to go after the weekend games against Kamloops.

Either way, unless the Cougars trade Lapointe for another overage player, this could leave the Cougars with injured Tyrel Lucas as the team's lone 20 year-old player.

I have a feeling that this year, the trade deadline will be busier than usual for the Cougars.

I heard that there was a WHL trading freeze that goes in effect tonight (friday)...? Is that true or is it just free trading time whenever through the holidays...

Well, that was sure entertaining.

Kamloops
Minors: 8 for 16 minutes
Fighting Majors: 7 for 35 minutes
10-Minute Misconducts: 1 for 10 minutes
Game Misconducts: 1 for 10 minutes
Coaches ejected: 1

Total Minutes: 71

Prince George
Minors: 12 for 24 minutes
Fighting Majors: 7 for 35 minutes
10-Minute Misconducts: 2 for 20 minutes
Game Misconducts: 6 for 60 minutes
Coaches ejected: 1

Total Minutes: 139

Total Minutes in this game handed out by Pat Smith: 210 :yo:



Cyr and Maniago put on a good show at centre ice for two rookie goaltenders.

Cam Cunning deserves to be put in a locked cell with all 3 Cougars who started those last fights after he put Gillen (if I remember correctly) in a very dangerous position by trying to trip him as he fought Tesliuk.

Eric Hunter is dirty and stupid...so is Jordy Johnson.

My god...could you imagine the outcome of that linebrawl had Byfuglien not been wearing a full visor due to his broken teeth.

The only thing missing was an all PG fight between Drazenovic and 15 year-old rookie Garrett Thiessen (obviously can't happen with Thiessen wearing the full mask), who did not look out of place with the Blazers this weekend. Kamloops got a steal in the draft with him.

Long story short: I think we have a rivalry again.

Please tell me that was all from Friday night's game Van....PLEASE tell me that was from Friday nights game.

Because Saturday's game was crap while I was there. I stayed until about 4mins left in the 3rd, and if I missed out on a goalie tilt, I'll be choked, along with all the other fun....:cry:

Seriously though....for the first 55mins, I thought that was the WORST I've seen the Cougars play in 2 years.....and that is SAYING A LOT!

Rumour had it at the arena tonight that Danny Lapointe has been released by the Cougars as a result of his team-imposed indefinite suspension for breaking curfew this week. Some people were also under the impression that Thompson has a deal ready to go after the weekend games against Kamloops.

Either way, unless the Cougars trade Lapointe for another overage player, this could leave the Cougars with injured Tyrel Lucas as the team's lone 20 year-old player.

I have a feeling that this year, the trade deadline will be busier than usual for the Cougars.Honestly Van, I don't think/hope that the Cougars don't bring in anymore O/A's for the rest of the year. Let Lucas recover and get him back in the lineup, but other than that, let the team grow - maybe even actually TRY and "rebuild" Pogge was dissapointing in letting in his 3 - possibly 4 had the Blazer player not been laying on him - goals tonight....Maybe deal Pogge? Who knows. I mean, at least in that case ,you know you'll get some sort of value back.

But regardless, I hope that they don't bring in any O/A's the rest of the year...this team, from all accounts is pretty close knit, and generally have worked quite hard all year...except for the odd stinker here and their, and the inability to get to .500...lol...but sure, make some trades come deadline day...but stay away from the O/A's

Suspensions and fines from Saturday's game have been determined...

Kamloops
-$250 for Mark Ferner getting a Game Misconduct
-$250 for their goaltender getting into a fight

Prince George
-$250 for their second multiple fight situation of the season
-$250 for their goaltender getting into a fight
-Lane Lambert: 2 games and $1,000 fine for failing to control his players late in the game
-Josh Aspenlind: 1 game for instigating a fight late in the game
-Ryan Gillen: 1 game for instigating a fight late in the game
-Ty Wishart: 1 game for instigating a fight late in the game
(Keep in mind these players all instigated their fights at the same time.)

-Dan Gendur: 1 game for a hit on a Kamloops defenceman in Friday's game. His suspension was served Saturday night.


The punishment fits the crime. I've lost some respect for Lambert after what he said in the paper the next day. Ferner didn't say much and refused to criticize Lambert's coaching in the media....only to have Lambert go off on Dean Clark, who was only on the bench as an assistant coach. I know that if I was Clark, I would yell at the other bench too if they did nothing but start a line brawl after my team had the game won with 2 minutes left.

Please tell me that was all from Friday night's game Van....PLEASE tell me that was from Friday nights game.

Because Saturday's game was crap while I was there. I stayed until about 4mins left in the 3rd, and if I missed out on a goalie tilt, I'll be choked, along with all the other fun....:cry:

Seriously though....for the first 55mins, I thought that was the WORST I've seen the Cougars play in 2 years.....and that is SAYING A LOT!
:lol: All I have to say is ouch.

This is a prime example of why you never leave a game early.... No matter how boring it is.

it wasn't my fault, but I had to get to an xmas party!! lol...And the 2 girls I was taking both needed to get changed, plus gas was needed....SO NOT MY FAULT!

it wasn't my fault, but I had to get to an xmas party!! lol...And the 2 girls I was taking both needed to get changed, plus gas was needed....SO NOT MY FAULT!

excuses excuses.... :shakehead LoL.

:cry: so true....so true :cry:

Hey Chris et al..

Check out the new polls at the Den if you get a chance... http://www.network54.com/Forum/343825

Yes this is exactly that...shameless site promotion...lol


Cougars will have a tough time beating Lethbridge tommorrow night but if their A teams shows up they have a chance. :yo:

Well...here's the breakdown on Cougars trades today

To PG: Andy Rogers(18), Scott Bowles(18) and Lee Zalasky(20)

to Cal: Justin Pogge(18), Dylan Yeo(18) and Tyrel Lucas(20)

Personally....I like this trade. Rogers is a good dman who will likely cause featherstone to move back up front, especially with the SC trade. Zalasky I've always liked for some reason....he just always seemed like a good player to me and it'll be interesting to see what he can do for the team. Bowles I'm really not too sure about. I know he hasn't had the "greatest" of seasons but I do remember seeing him...possibly on Shaw TV and he played pretty good I thought. Sucks that Pogge is moving on, but I think the writing was on the wall. He hasn't performed near as well as he should've. Sure he was coming off a knee injury, and sure Lambert basically called him out in the media after every shakey game...but still. I think if he ever gets his confidence back, he'll become a great tender, but right now, he needs a little time, and team thats willing to have some patience. Yeo and Lucas were basically just toss-ins it seems. Yeo was often a bit of a liability it seemed and Lucas hasn't done much for a Overager imo.

-------------------------------------

To PG: Matej Trojovsky(20), Tyler Feakes(18), Blair Stengler(18)

To SC: Josh Aspenlind (18) and a conditional 7th round draft pick

This deal I don't know too much about...we now have two 20 year old Euro's....how odd. That being said, the addition of Trojovsky toughens us up, and makes our already huge defense even huger! lol

Gillen - 6'7 230lbs
Trojovsky - 6'5 220lbs
Rogers - 6'5 208lbs
Wishart - 6'5 189lbs
Byfuglien - 6'3 250lbs
Featherstone - 6'2 225lbs

4 guys above 6'5....:eek:

not too sure on the stats on the players coming from SC either...I suppose I could look that up afterwards...but here's the breakdown

6 players coming in, 4 players going out. Personally...I think Thompson did quite well today. Especially bringing Rogers in. Lets make the playoffs this year, and do something big over the next couple. I honestly am beginning to think the potential is there. Good moves by Thompson today!

Well what do you know, the Cougars have a General Manager.

I like both deals. Cyr is doing the same to Pogge as what Pogge did to Ford last season, so it doesn't hurt my feelings to see Pogge leave. Bowles is going to be the backup to Cyr. Zalasky isn't a stand-out player, but he does his job well. Rogers is a 1st round NHL draft pick who could get a look for next year's national junior team. He is the key to this deal. I was shocked that Thompson got this much in return for a deal involving Pogge, considering the Cougars have another goaltender who is helping the team win games.

Two overage imports ...odd, yes, but I like the move. I see this as a symbolic admission that the Cougars European scouting sucks, so they went and got two Europeans who have proven that they can play in the WHL and be effective.

This team looks like it could be something for PG fans to get excited for. They geared up for the playoffs, and it's about damn time.

Just thought I would add that Blair Stengler is 20, not 18.

http://www.pgcougars.com/faceoff/team/detail.php?player_id=164

welll according to the WHL website he's 86-12-10....which would make him 18....so :p:

however, you're right...the cougs site lists him as 84....I'm going to have to go with an 86 though

because Trojovsky is 20, Zalasky is 20 and Jelinek is 20....

I must admit that I was surprised to see the trading pattern that Thompson put in place at the deadline. I (along with many others) believed that he would take this opportunity to get younger and shoot for the future.

Instead, Thompson swung for the fence, and landed some impressive pieces. I really like the acquisition of Trovo from SC and Rodgers from Calgary. In fact, I would argue that these two players are the best players in the two deals (from either side). These two big , tough, defenceman will make the Cougars much better behind the blueline. They are both fairly mobile, good competitors, and tough down low. I believe that they will be great penalty killers as well, and I expect to see the Cougars improve in the goals against department. This is a huge upgrade over the loss of Yeo.

Up front we lost Aspenlind (smaller good young player) and Lucas, to obtain Feakes, Stinger, and Zala. I don't think we will lose out anything in this end of the deal. I can't believe that Josh brought back this type of return. We increased size and numbers without giving out our top young forward prospects (Swystun and Fuller). I think that the big bodies and depth up front, will add to the Cougars chances when playing in the playoffs against physical Vancouver or Kelowna teams.

The loss of Pogge in net in my estimation is minimal. Cyr was the go to goalie, and Pogge was not going to see the big games. Bowles is an adequate backup, and has the ability to come up big and steal the odd game.

All in all, I have to give Thompson his due. This is the first positive Cougars trade deadline in many a year. I hope that the deals work as well as I think that they may. With this lineup (if the Cougars can some how stay healthy), the Cougars are a definite threat to make some noise in the playoffs.

Having said this, does anyone have any news regarding Hunter and Bubba. If they are both hurt for extended periods, then we may have trouble moving up in the standings.

hunter was in a cast and had crutches behind him on Saturday night at the plex...I heard 4-6 weeks but I may be wrong on that one now...not too sure

Bubba about the only thing I've heard is that he has an abdominol injury and that he won't be playing in Vancouver tonight or Kelowna tomorrow....MAY return for games this weekend against Kelowna though

I must admit that I was surprised to see the trading pattern that Thompson put in place at the deadline. I (along with many others) believed that he would take this opportunity to get younger and shoot for the future.

Instead, Thompson swung for the fence, and landed some impressive pieces. I really like the acquisition of Trovo from SC and Rodgers from Calgary. In fact, I would argue that these two players are the best players in the two deals (from either side). These two big , tough, defenceman will make the Cougars much better behind the blueline. They are both fairly mobile, good competitors, and tough down low. I believe that they will be great penalty killers as well, and I expect to see the Cougars improve in the goals against department. This is a huge upgrade over the loss of Yeo.

Up front we lost Aspenlind (smaller good young player) and Lucas, to obtain Feakes, Stinger, and Zala. I don't think we will lose out anything in this end of the deal. I can't believe that Josh brought back this type of return. We increased size and numbers without giving out our top young forward prospects (Swystun and Fuller). I think that the big bodies and depth up front, will add to the Cougars chances when playing in the playoffs against physical Vancouver or Kelowna teams.

The loss of Pogge in net in my estimation is minimal. Cyr was the go to goalie, and Pogge was not going to see the big games. Bowles is an adequate backup, and has the ability to come up big and steal the odd game.

All in all, I have to give Thompson his due. This is the first positive Cougars trade deadline in many a year. I hope that the deals work as well as I think that they may. With this lineup (if the Cougars can some how stay healthy), the Cougars are a definite threat to make some noise in the playoffs.

Having said this, does anyone have any news regarding Hunter and Bubba. If they are both hurt for extended periods, then we may have trouble moving up in the standings.

I'm surprised Kisio gave up Rogers, but then again, it's not a big surprise to see him making a blockbuster deal at the deadline to get a proven goaltender. Bowles is just too inconsistent. He's really good some nights, but there are other nights he's terrible. He has the potential to be a decent starter, but he has to improve his awful rebound control.

Sounds like Zalasky for Lucas was a wash. Pogge should be an upgrade over Bowles, and Rogers gets the edge over Yeo. Rogers just came back from a severly sprained ankle, but man, this guy makes an impact. Good skater, throws some thunderous body checks. He's got some untapped offensive potential too. PG got a keeper in Rogers.

welll according to the WHL website he's 86-12-10....which would make him 18....so :p:

however, you're right...the cougs site lists him as 84....I'm going to have to go with an 86 though

because Trojovsky is 20, Zalasky is 20 and Jelin3k is 20....
He is a '86 --- I watched him a few times in his midget days and he played a couple of SJ games IIRC.

Bowles is just too inconsistent. He's really good some nights, but there are other nights he's terrible. He has the potential to be a decent starter, but he has to improve his awful rebound control.


Honestly...that sounds exactly like Pogge this year. Last year, not so much, but the way you just described Bowles is the exact same way that Pogge has played this year. That being said, he has the potential to be a great goalie in this league, and is quite down to earth as far as goalies go. Should he get his game back, the Hitmen have a GREAT goalie....but then again, had he had his game to begin with this year, this trade never happens because Cyr wouldn't have gotten the starts, but Pogge shot himself in the foot over the past few months in PG with inconsistancy.

Looking forward ot seeing the new look COugs tonight on Shaw.

Today's PG Citizen said that Tim Crowder isn't happy with his trade from Victoria to Surrey in the BCHL, and that he and his family are talking to the Cougars to possibly have him here.

Tim sign a letter of intent with a NCAA team and won't come to PG as well

The Cougars 2004-05 season is s***, and it has hit the fan. Only this team could load up at the deadline for the playoffs, and lose that spot to a team who unloaded to rebuild for next season (Kamloops). After tonight's loss to Kelowna, the Cougars are on a 5-game losing streak and 4 points behind the Blazers for the last BC playoff spot.

Last night's loss was bad enough. The team's lack of discipline (or should I say Byfuglien's lack of discipline) enticed coach Lane Lambert to "not name names", but call the way he played last night, "an example of a chicken (bleep) hockey player", in today's Prince George Citizen. Captain Myles Zimmer also mentioned how it's always the same guys taking dumb penalties, and if they haven't figured it out with 16 games left (now 15) in a race for the playoffs, they will never figure it out.

The Cougars didn't play very well tonight. Kelowna outshot them 45-16, but a late surge from PG kept the game close. Byfuglien responded to Lambert and Zimmer's comments by bagging 2 goals, including one with 30 seconds left to make the game that much more intense. However, all the grace he had saved himself, he crapped away with less than 10 seconds left when he punched a Kelowna player in the face, starting an above-average scrum at the end. With the Cougars having all their important players on the ice, Byfuglien's stupid decision forced Nick Drazenovic to drop his gloves and wrestle with Justin Keller.

After the game, Scott Bowles was late for his spot on the post-game show because Zimmer called what was called a closed-door players-only meeting. What was said in that meeting is left to the imagination.

I think the writing is on the wall for Lambert and Byfuglien. No matter how much a coach is pissed off at a player, he cannot publically call him a chicken s***. That exposed all the dissention in the Cougars dressing room. As for Byfuglien, he has no sense of discipline whatsoever. It is sad considering how much he has improved his physical shape. He could be an NHL regular in Chicago one day, but he needs to get his head screwed on straight.

After this season, which is looking like another non-playoff year for the Cougars, I think they will both (Lambert and Byfuglien) have new places to move on with their hockey lives. Same goes for Stu Malgunas. I don't think he brings anything really negative to the team, but he doesn't stand out much as an assistant coach, nor is he ready to be a head coach at this level.


And for the record, downtown at the PG Coliseum tonight, the Spruce Kings defeated Salmon Arm to take over second place in the BCHL's Interior Division, which would earn them a bye through the first round. The Kings did it in front of 2,045 fans while attendance at the Multiplex was announced at 2,923 (were there really that many people in the stands?) Comparative WHL and BCHL attendance in Prince George is now within 1,000 fans. With the way it is going now, I think the Spruce Kings could very well sellout the Multiplex for the 2007 Royal Bank Cup.

Once again the race is on for last place in the BC division and it looks like PG will win again. It is obvious that too many changes are beyond the means of the coaching staff. He hasn't used his strengths correctly, charges his players with agressive media comments and is outcoached on the bench several times in each games in the key game situations. Van you hit it on the head it is again time for a change. First rounders are leaving to fulfill other college opportunties and other potential players haven't been invited to play nor are we looking at rebuilding by bringing in additional 16and 17 year old players to at least play several games.
the potential harvest was sown correctly but the (weed) control to stop the bad influences seems to have been applied at the wrong times, using the wrong soltutions.:help:

Another season in Prince George, another season without WHL playoffs. No real surprise. I may be mistaken, but at the Coliseum during Game 1 of the Spruce Kings series with Salmon Arm, I swear I saw Ed Dempsey pump his fist in a subtle celebration when a 4-1 score was announced in favour of Kamloops.

Along with all the rumours of who's coming and who's going, perhaps the PG Citizen could use a new sports editor too...

In Saturday's PG Citizen...

"It was an all-WHL crew of officials, no local linesmen, with veteran referee Rob Matsuoka leaving his whistle in his pocket for most of the night. Chris Carlson and Dean Laschowski worked the lines..."

What does he mean "all-WHL"? Last time I checked, local linesmen wear the same WHL jerseys that the travelling officials do. I guess the local sports editor takes pride (in one form or another) in taking cheap potshots at the officiating every chance he gets.