Cougars Blank Royals 2-0.
Early in his WHL career, 17-year-old rookie goaltender Ty Edmonds has put the WHL on notice that he means business. Tuesday night in Prince George, Zach Pochiro and Klarc Wilson scored first period goals and Ty Edmonds did the rest stopping all 31 shots he faced for his first career WHL Shutout, and a 2-0 Prince George Cougars victory against the Victoria Royals.
67 seconds into the first period, the Cougars drew first blood. Zach Pochiro took a Joseph Carvalho pass and raced down the right wing. Pochiro’s low shot snuck past Coleman Vollrath for his first of the season, and a quick lead for the home team.
Victoria responded with some quality chances, but Ty Edmonds was in top form turning aside all 12 shots he faced in the first period.
Late in the first period the Cougars would add to their lead when Troy Bourke, Alex Forsberg and Klarc Wilson combined for an even-strength marker. Troy Bourke took the puck wide and then tried to deke the puck past Vollrath. The puck flew into the air, and Klarc Wilson knocked it home from the goal-mouth for his team-leading fourth goal of the season.
Despite the 2-0 lead, the Cougars were outshot 12-8 after one period.
The teams traded chances in the second period, but neither Ty Edmonds or Coleman Vollrath budged. The Cougars got a 1:24 of five-on-three power play time, but were unable to convert. Victoria had power play chances too, but were unable to capitalize.
More of the same in the third period as both goaltenders kept the game close. Victoria poured it on towards the end with the net empty, but Ty Edmonds stood his ground and held on for his third victory of the season, and his first career WHL shutout.
The Cougars killed off all six of the Victoria power plays, but went zero-for-five on their power play chances. The final shot tally had Victoria with 31 and the Cougars with 27.
Prince George improves their record to 3-3 and 2-1 at home. Victoria lost on the road for the first time in 2013-2014 and are now 2-4.
These two teams meet again on Wednesday night at the CN Centre.
Comments
was attendance of 1335 announced ?? how much is the city making??
The City I believe make their money on a sliding scale, the less people in attendance the lower the percentage of the gross. So at 1335 they would be at the low end of the scale, and I would suggest, losing money.
It will be interesting to see, now that the Cougers are winning a few games if the attendance rises, or if the fans of days gone by, are gone for good.
My BF and I went to the game on Saturday, it was great. I would love to go more often but the price is a bit steep. If they would lower the price, families would be able to afford to go and they would be able to fill the bleachers.
Ticket price aren’t as bad as they once were. Just a quick look at other BC teams prices show that:
Van – $23.50 or $19.25 depending on where you sit.
Kamloops – $21.70 and kids 12 and under are free with a paid adult or senior.
Kelowna – $24 adult, $17 child
Victoria – $22 and as low as $13 for adults, $9 for kids.
PG – $21.15 adult and $12.75 child.
I’d love to see the 12 and under get a free ticket with an adult or senior purchase. Make the games more accessible to families and those that have lower income and cannot afford to spend $100+ to take the family to a game.
The Cougars (Palopu, take note of the spelling) are only 3-3.
Just as it took many years for the fans to dwindle away, it will take time to build them back up again, if it ever happens. It’s going to take more than a couple of wins to do it.
As far as cost, you’re not going to find a much better deal to see that calibre of hockey. The real rip off is at the concession stand.
I can appreciate that some think the price of admission is reasonable when compared to other cities. But it would be nice to see more people attend and fill the stands. As a single mom with three kids, there is no way that I can afford to take my family to the game. Lowering the ticket price may encourage a higher attendance and make more money in the long run. Especially for the over priced concession!
If cost is an issue, the Spruce Kings are cheaper. Sure, the hockey is a level lower, but still very good for the price.
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