For the first time since the 2010-2011 season, the Prince George Cougars are in Cranbrook, B.C. for a matchup with the Kootenay Ice. In one meeting last season, the Cougars went 0-1 against Kootenay, dropping a 3-2 decision on November 22^nd at CN Centre. It marks the first of three straight games for the Cougars on the road.

Overview:

The Kootenay Ice are 1-4-0-0 to start the season, and have the lowest point total in the Western Hockey League through five games. That being said, Ryan McGill’s club cannot be taken the least  bit lightly. Two seasons removed from a WHL championship, the Kootenay Ice have some potent weapons that can make life awfully difficult for the Cougars if given the opportunity.

Who’s Up Front:

Leading the charge for the Kootenay Ice is 17-year-old forward Sam Reinhart. Reinhart potted 62 points last season as a rookie, earning him the Jim Piggott Memorial Trophy for the WHL’s Rookie of the Year. Reinhart along with Brock Montgomery and Drew Czerwonka every time they take the ice, and keeping them in check will be a major key.

Who’s on D:

19-year defenceman Jagger Dirk leads all Kootenay defencemen with three points through five games. Dirk had 29 points last season, and is definitely capable of improving on those totals this season. He along with Joey Leach and Tanner Muth provide a solid veteran presence on the back end.

Who’s in Goal:

So far this season it’s been a bit of a tough go for 18-year-old goaltender Mackenzie Skapski. Skapski is 1-2 on the season with a goals against average of over 4, and a save percentage flirting with .850%. All of that said, Skapski showed last season that he can make some big-time saves, and he was the winning goaltender during the Cougars 3-2 loss to Kootenay in November of last year. His backup is 17-year-old Wyatt Hoffin.

X-Factor:

The Kootenay Ice have scored just 13 times in their first five games, which is the second lowest total in the WHL behind only Lethbridge. Reinhart and Montgomery have provided consistent offense for the Ice, but after that the numbers drop off significantly. Secondary scoring will be the major X-Factor for the Ice in tonight’s game. If they can get some offense from elsewhere in their lineup, they’ll give themselves a great shot at victory.

Overview:

The Prince George Cougars head into tonight’s game with a 4-1-1-0 record through six games. They’ve scored 29 times which is the most of any Western Conference team heading into this week. They’re coming off their first regulation loss of 2012-2013 on Saturday, and are hoping to stay unbeaten on the road with a W against the Ice this evening.

Who’s Up Front:

After starting off the season with no goals in his first five goals, Troy Bourke found the back of the net twice on Saturday against Kelowna. Bourke now has five points in six games, and seems to have regained some offensive confidence alongside linemates Jari Erricson and Daulton Siwak. Another big night for Bourke and company would be a huge boost for the Cougars tonight against Kootenay.

Who’s on D:

After Saturday’s loss against Kelowna, head coach Dean Clark was quick to praise rookie defenceman Tanner Lishchynsky for his solid effort. Lishchynsky is one of several rookie defencemen on the back-end for the Cougars who seems to be gaining confidence with each passing game.

Who’s in Goal:

Brett Zarowny relieved Devon Fordyce after the first period on Saturday against the Rockets, and turned aside 19 saves on 22 shots faced. Zarowny is 3-1 to start the season, with a 3.23 goals against average and a save percentage just under .90%. Devon Fordyce is 1-0-1-0 with a 3.80 goals against and a save percentage also very close to .90%. Whoever gets the call in goal will need to have a big night against a very hungry Kootenay Ice squad.

X-Factor:

Offensively the Cougars are clicking at an impressive rate, but defensively things could be better. A major key for the Cougars will be to play a defensively responsible game. They’ll need to protect the front of the net, avoid odd-man rushes, and allow their goaltender to get a good look at the shots heading in their direction. If they do that, they could very well secure their fifth win in seven games.