By: Dan O’Connor

Sunday night in Kamloops the Prince George Cougars were defeated 5-0 by the Kamloops Blazers. Tim Bozon and Cody Ully each scored twice while Cole Cheveldave recorded a 22-save shutout for Kamloops.

The Blazers got on the board at 9:58 when Cole Ully banged home his fourth of the season. His shot hit the post, then redirected off of Drew Owsley and ‘just’ crossed the goal line.

The Cougars bounced back with several good shifts. Austin Daae was stopped point-blank on a breakaway and Spencer Asuchak and Caleb Belter were also denied by Cole Cheveldave.

Early in the second, the Kamloops Blazers went on a five-on-three power play and took advantage. Brendan Ranford found Brandon Herrod back-door and Harrod tapped it in for his first goal as a Kamloops Blazer.

The Blazers added to their lead at 4:59 of the second. Tim Bozon grabbed a Tyler Bell rebound and slid one past Drew Owsley.

Again the Cougars had their chances, but Cole Cheveldave made some tough saves on Jesse Forsberg and Josh Smith to keep his team ahead by three.

Tim Bozon and Cole Ully each added another marker in a fight-filled third period that had a line-brawl take place in the final minute.  John Odgers, Campbell Elynuik, Jake Mykitiuk and Josh Smith were all removed from the game early.

Kamloops outshot Prince George 41-22 and finished the game three-for-eight on the power play. The Cougars went zero-for-three on their opportunities.

The Cougars and Blazers will renew their rivalry on Friday night from Prince George. The Cougars can expect many regulars to return to their lineup as Alex Forsberg, Chase Witala, Jarrett Fontaine and Jordan Tkatch will all be back from Under-17’s and Martin Marincin will be back from World Juniors.