The Vancouver Giants have drawn first blood in this three-game weekend series before the holiday break. Last night it was a late goal from Cain Franson, and some timely saves from Payton Lee that were the difference in the game. Tonight the Cougars will welcome back their top scorer, and will hope that home ice can be an advantage for them as they look to snap a four-game losing streak.

Overview:

Winning for just the second time in 10 games, the Vancouver Giants head into action tonight with a record of 9-23-0-0. They currently trail the Cougars by six points in the WHL’s Western Conference.

Who’s Up Front:

Cain Franson always seems to save his best for the Prince George Cougars. Dating back to last season, Franson has 13 points over his last nine meetings with the Prince George Cougars. Franson had the game-winner in last night’s game, and he did so by knocking a puck out of mid-air. The Cougars will need to try and contain Franson and his linemates Jackson Houck and Kale Kessy.

Who’s on D:

Since joining the Vancouver Giants in a trade from Edmonton, 17-year-old draft-eligible defenceman Mason Geertsen has fit right on with his new club. Geertsen provides steady two-way play for Don Hay’s team, and was certainly noticeable for many of the right reasons last night alongside his defence partner Brett Kulak.

Who’s in Goal:

After making 30 saves on 31 shots faced, 16-year-old Payton Lee has now beaten the Cougars twice this season in one-goal games. The young netminder now has a 6-9 record on the season, and may have just earned another start tonight because of his great play last night. Otherwise we might see the veteran Liam Liston get the call in game two of this three game set.

X-Factor:

Trevor Cheek may have been the most consistent and dangerous forward on the ice last night for Vancouver, and his two points were vital in the end result. The Cougars will need to keep an eye on Cheek, who has deceptive skill and an above average shot.

Overview:

Dean Clark’s Prince George Cougars head into tonight’s game with a record of 10-18-1-3. The Cougars are in the midst of a four game losing streak, which dates back to December 7^th in Kamloops. A win tonight could move the Cougars back to within two points of eighth place, depending on the how the Everett Silvertips fair.

Who’s Up Front:

With the early departure of Zach Pochiro from last night’s game, Dean Clark was forced to shuffle his lines up front. He appeared to strike gold when he put Jari Erricson, Jordan Tkatch and Ryan Hanes together. Together, those three combined for the only goal of the game for Prince George, but could have had several more. They may have played well enough to earn a second look together.

Who’s on D:

Marc McNulty’s return to the lineup seemed to give the entire defensive-core a boost in last night’s game. The Cougars held Vancouver to just 23 shots, and McNulty’s size alone demands respect.

Who’s in Goal:

After a tough outing last weekend in Kelowna it was great to see Mac Engel bounce back with a solid outing in Vancouver. Engel made several big-time saves, and for a second straight time, went toe-to-toe with Payton Lee, only to wind up on the wrong end of a close game. However with Brett Zarowny playing so well as of late, it might be time to see what the 17-year-old can do against the Giants.

X-Factor:

After serving a six-game suspension that he received on November 30^th, the Prince George Cougars will be more than pleased to welcome back their leading scorer Colin Jacobs. Jacobs has done it all so far this season for the Cougars, and his return not only gives the Cougars another valuable weapon offensively, but also his mere presence on the ice forces the defense to change their game plan. If Jacobs can get his name on the score sheet tonight, it bodes very well for the Cougars.