Kennewick, WA – Tonight in Kennewick, the Prince George Cougars will look to salvage some success from an otherwise disappointing opening weekend in the USA. Through two games in Portland and Everett the Cougars have been outscored 17-5 and are subsequently off to an 0-2 start. To a man the Cougars know that they can be better, and they’ll have to be tonight against a hungry Tri-City squad that is also looking to crack the win column for the first time in 2013-2014.

TRI-CITY AMERICANS

Overview:

Jim Hiller’s Tri-City Americans have been a stpble  in the upper section of the Western Conference standings in recent  seasons. They are a very well structured team that can beat you with  goaltending, defense and scoring. Their season did not get off to a  great start as they dropped a 6-2 game last night at home to Spokane.

Who’s Up Front:

With the departure of WHL iron man Justin Feser,  the Tri-City Americans are now looking for their new offensive leader.  Justin Feser was the heart-and-soul of the Ams last season, and his  presence will be greatly missed. That said, the Ams boast a bevy of  young and talented forwards that have the tools to do big things in this  league. 19-year-old Connor Rankin comes into this season as a leading  candidate to assume some of Feser’s offense. Last season Rankin potted  32 goals and 58 points.

Who’s on D:

As strong as Tri-City has been offensively in  seasons past, their defense has been a major key component to their  success. This season the Americans blueline will be led by 20-year-old  captain Mitch Topping. Last season Topping had 13 goals and 39 points  and proved to be a valuable two-way defensive option for Tri-City.  Topping figures to be a very important part of Tri-City’s success again  this season.

Who’s in Goal:

Heading into the 2013-2014 season, goaltending is  of zero concern for the Tri-City Americans. The reason: Eric Comrie. The  Winnipeg Jet’s prospect is back from injury and is no doubt ready for  prime time this season. His season debut did not go as planned last  night with a 6-2 loss, but Comrie is one of those goaltenders who can  win games on his own. If Comrie can bounce back from last night’s loss  and do what he is capable of, the Cougars will have a very tough time  scoring goals in tonight’s game.

 X-Factor:

The biggest factor tonight for Tri-City is going to  be their energy. The Cougars are coming into Kennwick having played two  games in two nights previous. No doubt fatigue will be small factor  this early in the season, and the Americans will need to use that to  their advantage as best as possible. If the Americans can play with some  physicality and urgency early, it would put them in an excellent  position to succeed.

Overview:

Mark Holick’s Prince George Cougars come into  tonight’s game with an 0-2 record in the Western Conference. Defensively  very little has gone right for the Cougars so far, but tonight they’ll  give themselves another chance at redemption and another chance to  salvage something positive from this opening weekend road trip through  the USA.

Who’s Up Front:

20-year-old forward Klarc Wilson has done  everything asked of him in the early stages of the season. Through two  games, Wilson has three goals and has often put himself in the right  place at the right time offensively so far. Wilson has always had some  offensive ability, and it’s great to see that he’s taken advantage of  his opportunities early on. Hopefully tonight a few more of his  teammates can get on the scoresheet.

Who’s on D:

Detroit Red Wings prospect Marc McNulty led all  Cougars rearguards with two points in last night’s contest. The 6’6”  McNulty will need to be a leader tonight as the Cougars look to make  drastic improvements defensively.

Who’s in Goal:

Through two games, the Prince George Cougars have  used both Brett Zarowny and Ty Edmonds in both games. That was certainly  not by design. Both players have struggled in the early stages, and  have been unable to come up with the key save at the key time to keep  the Cougars close. Granted Portland Everett are two very difficult  places to play, but this team needs one of Edmonds or Zarowny to steal  them a game, and help restore some defensive confidence. Hopefully  tonight in Tri-City can be the start of something positive between the  pipes for Prince George.

X-Factor:

No team can be satisfied with surrendering 17 goals  against in two games, and it will be up to the ENTIRE Cougars roster to  help turn that tide. More blocked shots, better awareness, and more  aggressiveness will all be major keys for the team tonight. They have  talent in all areas, but talent alone is not enough. The Cougars are  going to need to dig deep tonight , even though it’s their third game in  three nights. From the goaltender on out, the Cougars will need to  ready for battle tonight. If they can execute the little things  properly, and get back to playing strong defensive hockey, this team  could be heading back to PG with a 1-2 record.