The Prince George Cougars and Kelowna Rockets meet again tonight at CN Centre for the back-half of a weekend double header. The Cougars earned a 6-3 victory last night, and extended their points streak to five in the process. The Kelowna Rockets aren’t going to want to leave Prince George empty-handed, and you can be sure that tonight’s game will feature a ton of intensity.

Overview:

Ryan Huska’s Kelowna Rockets enter tonight’s game with a 2-3-1-0 record. The loss last night had snapped a two-game winning streak. The Rockets had a tremendous start to the game, but the back-half of the first period is ultimately what cost them last night.

Who’s Up Front:

When the Kelowna Rockets dealt forward Shane McColgan to the Saskatoon Blades during the offseason they received Ryan Olsen as part of the deal. Olsen led the way offensively for Kelowna last night with two goals, and was one of their most effective offensive forwards throughout the game. Olsen now has three goals on the season, and the Cougars defense will need to be aware of his presence on the ice tonight.

Who’s on D:

Damon Severson was scratched in last night’s game for Kelowna, and he will most likely jump back into the lineup tonight for Kelowna. His presence will make an immediate difference, given the fact that Kelowna’s defense is very young, albeit very talented. Defensively the Rockets will need to be mindful of the Cougars offensive attack and will need to do a better job of clearing traffic from the front of their goal if they want to find success this evening.

Who’s in Goal:

After facing 30 shots in relief last night, it wouldn’t come as any surprise to see Jackson Whistle get the call in goal tonight for Kelowna. Whistle played the final 40 minutes of last night’s game and was very solid. His only blemish was an unassisted goal by Zach Pochiro in the second period. Maybe Ryan Huska does decide to go back with Jordan Cooke, who would certainly be poised for a bounce-back game after a tough one last night.

X-Factor:

The most dangerous Rocket offensively last night was their captain Colton Sissons. He along with linemates Myles Bell and Dylan McKinlay had plenty of chances, and were only rewarded with the one short-handed goal. If the Cougars can keep these three silenced again, they’ll put themselves in a fine position to win.

Overview:

The Prince George Cougars head into tonight’s game having secured nine of a possible 10 points to start the season. Their 4-0-1-0 record has them in a tie for first in the B.C. division with Kamloops. They’ve outscored their opposition 24-14 through five games, and have the second highest goal differential in the entire WHL behind only the Swift Current Broncos.

Who’s Up Front:

What a night for the trio of Caleb Belter, Brock Hirsche and Zach Pochiro. Pochiro and Hirsche each had two-goal games, while Belter had a couple of helpers. They were excellent in all three zones, and a game like last night’s is certainly bound to help their confidence moving forward this season. The Cougars have stated all season that they have four lines that can score, and last night’s effort was certainly a testament to that.

Who’s on D:

Tonight Cougars defenceman Dan Gibb plays in his 200^th career game in the Western Hockey League. The Prince George product has come a long way since he entered the WHL as a 17-year-old. There has been a steady improvement in each season leading up to this one, and Gibb should certainly be proud of his accomplishments. He’ll likely see a ton of key minutes in tonight’s game against Kelowna’s top guys and hopefully game 200 can be a memorable one for the 20-year-old local.

Who’s in Goal:

Dating back to the preseason, Brett Zarowny has won six consecutive games. His third regular season victory was impressive last night, as he turned aside 27 of the 30 shots he faced. What was most impressive was the way he was able to battle back after surrendering a couple of early goals. Zarowny was most impressive in the second-half of the second period, when Kelowna really came on. No word yet on whether Zarowny goes again tonight, or whether Devon Fordyce will get a crack at Kelowna.

X-Factor:

The Prince George Cougars are the least penalized team in the WHL heading into tonight’s game, and that’s a positive trend that can hopefully continue as this season progresses. The Cougars penalty killing statistics aren’t great, but when you’re only putting yourself shorthanded once or twice a game, it doesn’t have the same drastic effect as a game with seven or eight minor penalties may have. Discipline will be key again tonight for the Cougars are who seeking their third home victory of the young season