The Prince George Cougars kicked off their three game in three night Alberta road swing with a 3-0 loss to the Calgary Hitmen on Thursday night. Pavel Padakin led the way with two goals for Calgary while Calgary goaltender Chris Driedger earned his first shutout of the season stopping all 30 shots he faced.

Despite being outplayed for a majority of the first, Calgary struck first on a late first period power play chance. Zane Jones pounced on a loose puck in right wing circle, spun and fired a quick shot up and over Brett Zarowny to give his team the lead.

Early in the second the Cougars put on some good pressure, but were unable to take advantage of their power play chances, and Chris Driedger was there to make saves for Calgary.

Shortly past the midway point of the second, Calgary increased their lead to 2-0 when Pavel Padakin grabbed his own rebound off a blocked shot, and tucked home a shot from the slot for his first of two on the night.

Padakin would then round out the game’s scoring on a late second period power play. After taking a pass along the left wing wall, Padakin made his way to the high slot and fired a shot up high and in for his sixth of the season.

Both teams would record nine shots in the final period, but the Cougars were unable to solve Chris Driedger. Chase Witala and Todd Fiddler had the best chances, but were unable to capitalize.

The Cougars played the back half of the game without both Zach Pochiro and Tate Olson who left the game with injuries.

Calgary’s power play finished the game two-for-seven while the Cougars went scoreless on all six of their chances. The Hitmen outshot the Cougars 31-30.

With the loss, the Cougars record now sits at 9-14-1-3 keeping them in ninth place in the Western Conference, three points back of the Vancouver Giants.

The three game Alberta road swing continues Friday night when the Cougars head to Rexall Place for their first meeting of the season with the Edmonton Oil Kings.