After a very difficult stretch of three games in three nights to start the season, the Prince George Cougars will return to the friendly confines of the CN Centre to kick off their 2013-2014 home schedule tonight. Standing in the Cougars way are the Kamloops Blazers who are no doubt very excited at the prospect of spoiling the party for their rivals. The CN Centre will be buzzing tonight and it will be important for both teams to shrug off the distractions and just play.

Overview:

Dave Hunchak’s Kamloops Blazers are off to an 0-2 start in 2013-2014. Last weekend Kamloops dropped a pair of 5-2 games to the Kelowna Rockets, and are currently the only remaining Western Conference team without a victory.

Who’s Up Front:

Through two games, 20-year-old forward Joe Kornelson leads all Kamloops forwards with two goals. Kornelson has shown flashes of offensive flare over the course of his WHL career having twice eclipsed the 10-goal mark for a season. Obviously the Blazers are hoping that Kornelson can continue supplying offense for the Blazers in the early stages of the season.

Who’s on D:

As the 2013-2014 season progresses, fans can expect to hear much more about sophomore defenceman Jordan Thomson. Thomson leads all Blazers rearguards with two points in the first two games, and will be a major factor in the Blazers success this season. He skates and defends as good as anybody in the league, and will certainly be one to watch this weekend.

Who’s in Goal:

Both Taran Kozun and Bolton Pouliot saw some action last weekend against Kelowna and both were on the wrong end of a 5-2 score. Both surrendered four goals against in their respective games, but Pouliot was the busier goalie stopping 37 of the 41 shots he faced. Both could very well be in line to get a start this weekend in Prince George.

X-Factor:

Over the past two seasons, Tim Bozon has been a real thorn in the side of the Prince George Cougars. The Montreal Canadiens prospect always seems to bring his best when the Cougars are involved, and after going two games without a point, you know that Bozon will be ready to break out. The Cougars are obviously hoping that Bozon’s name stays off the scoresheet this weekend.

Overview:

Mark Holick’s Prince George Cougars come into tonight’s game with a 1-2 record to start the season. After two humbling defeats in Portland and Everett, the Cougars responded with a 2-1 victory Sunday in Kennewick. While there are still some areas that need to be fine-tuned, there are some definite positives for the Cougars to build on heading into this stretch of home games against Kamloops this weekend.

Who’s Up Front:

Cougars captain Troy Bourke was instrumental in the Cougars 2-1 victory on Sunday. Bourke scored both goals, and provided an offensive spark on a power play that had previously not scored a goal. The Cougars will need to rely on Troy Bourke all season long for leadership, and offense and so far the he has not let them down recording three points in three games to start the season.

Who’s on D:

Detroit Red Wings prospect Marc McNulty has been on fire to start the season. The  6’6 Medicine Hat, AB product has four points in three games which is tops on the team. Not only has McNulty contributed a lot offensively, but he has been an asset defensively as well by blocking shots and making the simple plays in his own zone. Another big weekend from McNulty will be important for the Cougars against Kamloops.

Who’s in Goal:

What to do? What to do? Ty Edmonds made his first career WHL start on Sunday and backstopped the Cougars to a 2-1 victory. Previously both Edmonds and Brett Zarowny had struggled in the games against Portland and Everett. Do you go back with the veteran Brett Zarowny and give him the chance to amend for a tough series of starts on the road? Or do you give Ty Edmonds the chance to start on opening night after his success on Sunday? Either goaltender is capable and either goaltender will be jacked at the chance to lead this team into battle on opening night at home.

X-Factor:

Zach Pochiro returns to the lineup after missing two games via suspension. His presence was badly missed in both games, and his return to the lineup gives Mark Holick several more options at both ends of the ice. If Pochiro can bring his mix of skill and aggressiveness and use them both to their full potential, he could be in store for a big weekend against the Blazers.