Prince George, B.C. — The Cariboo Cougars are back in BCMML action this weekend following their first bye of the season as they take on the South Island Royals today and Sunday in Victoria.

Boasting a 13-3 record, the Cats did not fall out of second place even while idle, and carry a three game win streak into Saturday’s tilt at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre.

The Royals are a vastly improved squad so far this season compared to last, with a 6-7-5 record, good for fifth place in the standings but just one point ahead of both the Hawks and Canadians, both of which have two games in hand on the Royals.

Goaltending could be a key battleground this weekend as the Royals have allowed 75 goals against, tied for second worst in the league. This as the Cougars boast one of Major Midget’s most potent offences with 82 goals for, allowing just 38. Cougar goaltender Nathan Warren enters the weekend with the league’s best Goals Against Average, an impressive 2.20 including two shutouts, his most recent coming in his last start, a 6-0 win over the Thompson Blazers in McBride.

Last season the Cougars swept the season series with the then-titled South Island Thunderbirds 4-0, outscoring by a 25-4 margin including two shutouts.

Saturday’s game is set for a 12:00pm start while puckdrop Sunday is 10:00am. Both games will be available via live webcast at cariboocougars.ca.