After earning a point in last night’s game in Kamloops, the Prince George Cougars are back at it tonight. For the fourth time already this season, the Cougars will go head-to-head with Ryan Huska’s Kelowna Rockets.

Overview:

The Kelowna Rockets are currently ranked second in the B.C. Division with 20 points, and head into tonight’s contest with wins in two consecutive games. Their most recent victory came Thursday night, at home against the Kamloops Blazers. 3-0 was the final score with Jordan Cooke earning his third shutout of the season.

Who’s Up Front:

Witb 19 points in 17 games, Colton Sissons is enjoying a fine third season in the Western Hockey League up to this point. He along with Myles Bell and Dylan McKinlay have provided the Rockets with steady offense all season long, and always seem to bring their best when the Cougars come to town.

Who’s on D:

Though he’s spent much of his time up front this season, Rockets d-man Myles Bell has been nothing short of brilliant for Kelowna so far this season. With 23 points in 17 games, Bell leads all Rockets in scoring. His quick release, great patience, and strong work ethic make him incredibly difficult to stop. Keeping his opportunities limited will be a big key for the Cougars.

Who’s in Goal:

Jordan Cooke is coming off a 3-0-shutout victory over Kamloops on Thursday, and leads the WHL with three shutouts already this season, one of which came on October 18^th in Kelowna against the Cougars. Ryan Huska may decide to go with Jackson Whistle against the Cougars tonight, but given Cooke’s recent success, it would be a tough decision to make.

X-Factor:

Given Kelowna’s injury situation up front, it’s allowed for 20-year-old Cody Fowlie to step in and provide the Rockets with some valuable experience. Fowlie recorded his first two goals in a Rockets uniform on Thursday against Kamloops, and the last thing that the Cougars want is for Fowlie to breakout against them as well. If the Cougars can bring a similar defensive effort tonight that they did last night in Kamloops, they will put themselves in excellent shape to win a hockey game on the road.

Overview:

The Prince George Cougars are 7-7-1-1 heading into tonight’s game, and have recorded points in three straight games. Last night they dropped a 2-1 score to the Kamloops Blazers in a shootout, but certainly played well enough to deserve two points. Systematically they’ve been solid for the better part of four consecutive games, and tonight they get another crack at a Kelowna squad that beat them 3-0 in this building a few weeks back.

Who’s Up Front:

Troy Bourke, Alex Forsberg and Chase Witala continue to play well together. Last night they helped set up the Cougars lone goal, and had several more opportunities to increase their lead. Bourke especially always seems to bring his best against Kelowna, and another big night from these three would be a big boost for the Cougars.

Who’s on D:

Marc McNulty brings a three-game scoring streak into tonight’s with the Rockets. Not only has McNulty stood out for his offensive contributions, but also defensively he and Dan Gibb have been very consistent and reliable in recent games. Can he make it four straight? Time will tell.

Who’s in Goal:

The Cougars received strong goaltending yet again from Mac Engel, even amidst the 2-1 setback in the shootout. Engel gave his team every opportunity to win a hockey game, and could very well be in line for another start tonight. But with two games in two nights, it could be time for Brett Zarowny to go back to work. Zarowny won his last decision, two Wednesday’s ago against the Spokane Chiefs.

X-Factor:

Stay the course! The Cougars have played some of their most consistent and responsible hockey as of late, and it’s going to take a similar performance tonight in Kelowna if they want to find the win column. Blocked shots, discipline, and timely offense are always key ingredients to success on the road, and if the Cougars can do that tonight, they could easily be heading home with three of a possible four points from the weekend.