After a 2-0 start to the preseason, the Prince George Cougars will take to home ice for the first time in the exhibition season tonight and tomorrow at CN Centre. Their opponents? The defending WHL champion Edmonton Oil Kings.

Overview:

The Edmonton Oil Kings come into tonight’s game with a 1-1 record in the preseason so far. They dropped an 8-2 game to the Swift Current Broncos before defeating Red Deer 5-3 the next night during the St. Albert tournament.

Who’s Up Front:

Up front the Edmonton Oil Kings boast a ton of skill. They have four forwards on their roster who have been drafted into the NHL, and regardless of who plays and sits this weekend, you can bet that a ton of their talent will be on display. Last season the Oil Kings were led by Michael St. Croix who tallied 45 goals and 105 points in his 18-year-old season. The New York Rangers draft pick will likely be the offensive catalyst again this season for the Oil Kings.

Who’s on D:

An impressive defensive core is highlighted by the fourth overall draft pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft Griffin Reinhart. The 6’4”, 202 pound blueliner brings the complete package to the Oil Kings lineup. Not only is he reliable defensively but he provided 12 goals last season in 58 games.

Who’s in Goal:

The Oil Kings only have two goaltenders remaining on their preseason roster, and both goaltenders figured prominently into their success last season. Laurent Brossoit won 42 games a season ago for the Oil Kings and added three shutouts and a .914 save percentage. Brossoit has yet to start a game in the preseason, so fans in Prince George may get the first look at the 2012-2013 starting goaltender for Edmonton. His backup last season was Tristan Jarry who posted an 8-2-1 record in the 14 games that he played in. The 17-year-old goaltender is entering his draft year, and may see an increased role in 2012-2013.

X-Factor:

After Cougars forward Alex Forsberg was selected first overall in the 2010 WHL Bantam Draft, the Edmonton Oil Kings followed with the selection of forward Curtis Lazar. Lazar put up 31 points in 63 games during the regular season, but also added 19 points in 20 playoff games for Edmonton. It will be a fun weekend for fans who may get an early opportunity to watch two of the most skilled 2010 WHL draftees go head-to-head.

Overview:

The Prince George Cougars are coming off a weekend where they won twice in convincing fashion against Red Deer and Medicine Hat. The Cougars outscored the opposition 11-3 in two games, and found success in all areas of the ice. It’s strange to think of a preseason game as a ‘measuring stick’ game, but it’s hard not to when the Cougars have a chance to face the defending WHL champs early on. There’s no telling what a couple of victories at home this weekend would do for the Cat’s confidence.

Who’s Up Front:

So far so good for three 1995-born forwards for the Cougars. Chase Witala (2G, 1A), Jarrett Fontaine (1G, 2A) and Jordan Tkatch (1G, 2A) all had three-point weekends in St. Albert, and all three are looking for successful sophomore seasons in the Western Hockey League. The Cougars have built some strong offensive confidence early, and tonight they’ll look to continue that confidence in front of their home crowd.

Who’s on D:

At this stage, the Prince George Cougars have 10 defenceman remaining on their preseason roster. These two games could be extremely important for some of these players to make a case for themselves to stay. The Cougars will also need to rely heavily on the veteran leadership from the likes of Dan Gibb and Dallas Ehrhardt this weekend to help calm an otherwise young (albeit talented) group of Cougars defenders.

Who’s in Goal:

Shortly after the trip to St. Albert, the Cougars announced that Brett Zarowny and Devon Fordyce would be the final two goaltenders sticking around for the remainder of the preseason. Zarowny has recorded two victories already during the preseason, while Devon Fordyce put up a 30-minute shutout in his first preseason action Sunday against Medicine Hat. Regardless of who gets the start tonight, it will be important for the goalies to play to their strengths. Strong goaltending is a ‘must’ on most nights in the WHL, and especially when the defending champs are in town.

X-Factor:

Tonight the X-Factor lies in goal. Both Devon Fordyce and Brett Zarowny are heading into this weekend feeling confident and ready. Imagine the confidence level after a win or two against Edmonton. Both are more than capable, and it’s time to show the Cougars coaching staff and management exactly what they are both capable of.