For the first time in the 2013-2014 regular season the Prince George Cougars are Alberta bound. Tonight they kick off a stretch of three games in three nights against three Alberta foes, starting tonight in Calgary against the Hitmen. The Cougars have already faced Calgary twice this season and earned three of four possible points against them.

OVERVIEW:

Mike Williamson's Calgary Hitmen come into tonight's game with the fifth best record in the WHL's Eastern Conference. At 12-6-1-3, the Hitmen are right in the thick of things out East. They've won two straight and have earned at least one point in six of their past 10 games.

WHO'S UP FRONT:

Leading the way up front for Calgary is third year forward Greg Chase.  The 2013 Edmonton Oilers draftee leads Calgary with 14 goals and 25 points, and had three goals against the Prince George Cougars on October 26th in Prince George. Chase is a strong skater, has a great shot and always seems to find the right areas on the ice. Keeping him contained is a top priority tonight for PG.

WHO'S ON D:

One player that the Calgary Hitmen did not have in their arsenal a few weeks back in Prince George was 20-year-old defenceman Alex Roach. The Quesnel product recently rejoined the Hitmen after a stint in the AHL, and has naturally added a nice mix of offense and defense to the back end. At 6'4" and nearly 230 pounds, it's hard to miss Alex Roach out there, and tonight I'm sure the Cougars top players will see a ton of Roach in all situations.

WHO'S IN GOAL:

The veteran tandem of Chris Driedger and Mack Shields continues to give Calgary a chance to win games on a nightly basis. Driedger is an Ottawa Senators prospect and has slightly better numbers, but Shields has the better record of 6-1. Odds are that Calgary will go with Driedger at home, but Shields did get the victory on the 26th in Prince George, and has only played once since then. Could tonight be his night?

X-FACTOR:

Fresh off a two point game against the Moose Jaw Warriors, Calgary sophomore Jake Virtanen continues his strong season. With 10 goals and 16 points, Virtanen has established himself as one of Calgary's primary offensive options. His speed and shot are two of his strongest assets, and tonight the Cougars will need to pay close attention to Virtanen everytime he is on the ice.

OVERVIEW:

Mark Holick's Prince George Cougars are coming into tonight's game having earned points in four of their past 10 games. Saturday night in Everett the Cougars earned a 3-1 victory against the Silvertips, thanks in large part to the stellar play of goaltender Brett Zarowny. Despite being outshot 35-17, the Cougars made the most of their opportunities, and that is something that they'll need to do again tonight if they want to find success in a difficult building.

WHO'S UP FRONT:

When the Prince George Cougars needed a goal on Saturday their captain delivered. With the game tied 1-1 with less than five minutes remaining, Troy Bourke slipped through three defenders, and scored a marvelous goal on Austin Lotz to help secure the win for PG. The Cougars captain now has 25 points in 26 games which is tied for the team lead. Hopefully Bourke can do some similar things during this Alberta road swing.

WHO'S ON D:

Mark Holick called last weekend's games against Spokane and Everett two of the better defensive games in recent memory for the Cougars, and rightfully so. The Cougars did not allow too many odd-man rushes, and were full marks on their defensive zone coverage and breakouts. Tonight's approach has to be the same. They need to make smart and quick decisions, and not allow the Calgary Hitmen too many second and third chances. If they block shots, protect their end and possibly chip on offensively, the Cougars will be in good shape tonight.

WHO'S IN GOAL:

Brett Zarowny's goaltending performance Saturday in Everett was one of the best goaltending displays by a Cougars netminder all season. Zarowny's rebound control was outstanding, and he made the saves that he had to make, and several that maybe he shouldn't have. If the Cougars can get that type of goaltending again tonight and this weekend from both Zarowny and Edmonds they will be just fine.

X-FACTOR:

Seven Prince George Cougars hail from the province of Alberta, and this week's stretch of games will provide these players with an excellent opportunity to showcase their abilities in front of friends and family. Over the past few seasons, Calgary has not been a friendly place for the Cougars who have not won at the Saddledome in any of their past five tries. Hopefully a game in front of friends and family can serve as a good motivation tactic for the Cougars who are looking to keep pace with the Vancouver Giants in the B.C. Division.