Priince George, B.C.- The Prince George Cougars are set to kick off their 2012-2013 home schedule with back-to-back meetings with the Seattle Thunderbirds this weekend at CN Centre. The Cougars are 2-0 and are looking to build off of the many positives from this past weekend, though the Seattle Thunderbirds will be no easy foe.

 Overview:

Steve Konowalchuk’s Seattle Thunderbirds are coming to Prince George having split their opening weekend matchups with the Portland Winterhawks. Seattle is a young team with great size and potential, and will make the Cougars earn every inch of their ice this weekend.

Who’s Up Front:

Leading the way through two games for Seattle is 18-year-old forward Riley Sheen. Sheen was acquired from the Medicine Hat Tigers earlier in the offseason and has managed two goals and four points so far this season. Sheen won’t wow you with his size, but clearly a trade to Seattle has given him some added confidence to start the 2012-2013 campaign.

Who’s on D:

An emotional weekend lies ahead for former Cougars defenceman and captain, Jesse Forsberg. The 19-year-old product of Waldheim, Saskatchewan spent the first three seasons of his WHL career in Prince George, and was a fan favorite because of his work-ethic and heart. So far Forsberg has managed a goal for Seattle, and will no doubt be seeing top-line minutes against his former team this weekend.

Who’s in Goal:

20-year-old netminder Brandon Glover was a busy goalie this past weekend. He started both games against Portland, and was superb in the opener stopping 55 pucks en route to a 5-2 victory on opening night. Glover has a save percentage of close to .93% and will give Seattle an excellent chance to win this weekend in Prince George.

X-Factor:

18-year-old Branden Troock is hoping that this is the season where he can put it all together. There is no denying Troock’s ability, given that he was drafted by the Dallas Stars in the fifth round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. Troock brings the whole package of size, skill and smarts to the game, and will need to be counted upon this weekend and this season to supply steady offense and two-way play for Seattle if they want to find success.

Overview:

The Prince George Cougars head into their home opener with a 2-0 record and a three-way tie for first in the BC Division. The Cougars have outscored their opposition 13-6 through two games, and have had eight players score at least once to start the season. Tonight, there will be some jitters in front of the packed CN Centre, but hopefully the Cougars can get off to a fast start and calm themselves for what will likely be a tough test tonight against Seattle.

Who’s Up Front:

Colin Jacobs wasted no time making a positive impression on his new teammates and fans. Jacobs recorded six points in last weekend’s two meetings with Everett, and heads into tonight’s game tied for fourth in WHL Scoring. The former Seattle Thunderbird has always had great success playing at CN Centre, and you know that he’s going to be extra fired up to face his former team tonight.

Who’s on D:

20-year-old’s Dan Gibb and Dallas Ehrhardt will once again be looked to for many things tonight. It will be up to these two veteran rear-guards to keep their teammates calm, as they are the elders on an otherwise very young blueline. Dallas Ehrhardt leads all Cougars defencemen with three points on the young season, while Dan Gibb notched his first of the season during Sunday’s win in Everett. A big game from those two will be key for the Cougars success tonight.

Who’s in Goal:

No official announcement has been made as of yet, but after two weekend victories in Everett, Brett Zarowny could be in line for his third consecutive start for Prince George. Zarowny earned a 6-0 shutout on Saturday and made some key saves down the stretch of a 7-6 Sunday win in Everett. The two early victories have to be key for his confidence. On the other end is 18-year-old Devon Fordyce who is no doubt chomping at the bit to get his first start of the 2012-2013 season. In a pressure situation, Dean Clark may opt to go with Fordyce tonight, but either way you go, the Cougars feel confident in their goaltending.

X-Factor:

Tonight will be a fun night for Cougars forward Alex Forsberg as he gets to face bigger brother Jesse Forsberg in a WHL game for the first time. Forsberg has recorded three points so far in two games, and has started the 2012-2013 season strong. You know that the Forsberg family will be watching this one closely, and in a perfect world, little brother Alex can continue his point streak, and help lead the Cougars to victory tonight.