Tonight, it’s the second of three consecutive meetings between the Spokane Chiefs and the Prince George Cougars. The Cougars will look to avenge a heartbreaking loss from last Saturday, when the Chiefs scored the clinching goal with just 24 seconds left in regulation.

Overview:

Don Nachbaur’s Spokane Chiefs come into tonight’s game having won two straight. They are 8-3-0-0 on the season and are ranked third overall in the U.S. Division.

Who’s Up Front:

The hero of Saturday’s game was McBride native Dylan Walchuk who scored the game winner. The 20-year-old Walchuk is second in team scoring with 13 points in 11 games, and carries a +4 rating as well for his club.

Who’s on D:

Defensively Brenden Kichton was everything as advertised on Saturday against the Cougars. Kichton logs a ton of minutes for Spokane, and plays the game with a ton of confidence and intelligence. His ability to quarterback a power play is as good or better than anybody else in the WHL, and he will need to be watched closely by the Cougars in tonight’s game.

Who’s in Goal:

After backing up Garret Hughson in Saturday’s game, Eric Williams will likely return to action tonight for Spokane. The 19-year-old is 6-2 on the season with a 3.13 goals against average and a save percentage of .880.

X-Factor:

The Prince George Cougars did a good job keeping forward Mitch Holmberg quiet on Saturday. Holmberg was held pointless for just the second game this season, and a similar effort from the Cougars defensively against Holmberg would go a long way in helping them erase their losing streak.

Overview:

Dean Clark’s Prince George Cougars head into tonight’s game with a record of 5-6-1-0. Their 11 points have them alone in fourth in the B.C. Division, two points back of third place Kelowna, and seven points ahead of fifth place Vancouver. 

Who’s Up Front:

19-year-old forward Colin Jacobs was able to break the Cougars seven period scoring slump with a power play goal in the second period of Saturday’s game. Jacobs has shown this season that he can score in waves, and perhaps Saturday’s game will help reignite his offensive game. Jacobs has 15 points in 12 games so far, which leads the entire team.

Who’s on D:

Another game, and another solid outing from the rookies Tanner Lishchynsky and Raymond Grewal on Saturday. It seems like these two are only getting better with each passing game, and Head Coach Dean Clark was once again quick to point out their strengths after Saturday’s game. Tonight, they will need to bring a similar effort to help lead the Cougars back into the win column.

Who’s in Goal:

Since arriving in a trade from Spokane a week ago, Mac Engel has done everything possible to help lead the Cougars to victory. He stopped 35 of the 38 shots he faced on Saturday, and has quickly earned the trust of his new teammates. Engel should definitely be in line to start in one of the next two games against his former team, at home.  Brett Zarowny is his backup, and is looking for his first victory since October 10^th in Cranbrook.

X-Factor:

As clichéd as it may sound, the Prince George Cougars are in need of a 60-minute game tonight. The Cougars need to come out and dictate the play early on, similar to the way that Spokane did in the first period of Saturday’s game. If the Cougars can get an early goal, and get the crowd involved early, they will make it awfully difficult for the Chiefs to comeback. When they score first, the Cougars have earned points in four of those five games.