Friday afternoon in Prince George, the Prince George Cougars were ecstatic to welcome over 100 families from across North America to the first training camp of the New Ice Age. 

After registration, and a welcome meeting that featured a video and speeches from Greg Pocock, Andy Beesley, Todd Harkins and Mark Holick, the 1998 and 1999-born players took the ice in front of a spirited crowd for the annual Young Guns Game. 

There were several notable performances, but perhaps the two that stood out the most came from two 16-year-old Cougar hopefuls who are looking to earn permanent spots on the Cougars roster in 2014-15. Kody McDonald (Lethbridge, AB) was selected in the second round of 2013 by the Cougars and scored twice for Team Grey while 2013 third rounder Kolby Johnson (Kerrobert, SK) responded with two assists and a fight for Orange.

“The first period I was trying to do too much out there, but I felt like once I started to simplify some things I was more effective,” comments McDonald who played nine games with the Cougars as an under-ager a season ago. “Last year when I came here I was really nervous, but this year now I’m way more confident and I’ve got more experience under my belt.”

After one period, the score was 1-1. McDonald wasted little time getting Grey on the board, as he notched his first of training camp just 15 seconds into the game.

Orange quickly responded when Marc Pasemko took a Kolby Johnson pass from behind the goal, and shoveled it past a sprawling goaltender.

Early in the second Orange took a 2-1 lead when Joel Lakusta fired home a shot from the left point on a power play. But Grey quickly countered when Dayne Stenson tapped home a Josh Curtis pass to get things back on even terms.

Marc Pasemko (Orange) and Logan Mazerolle (Grey) exchanged goals late in the second period, and the teams skated into the dressing rooms tied at three through 40 minutes.

Ethan Dejong quickly got Orange back on top with a goal early in the third, but Kody McDonald and Josh Curtis continued with their strong nights with back-to-back goals, giving Grey a 5-4 lead into the late stages of the third period.

Despite a late push from Team Orange, Grey managed to hang on for the victory.

After the game, McDonald was full of praise for day one of camp and the New Ice Age. “I didn’t know what to expect coming into camp this year with the New Ice Age, but with the way it’s been structured this year there’s been some really positive changes.”

Kolby Johnson could barely contain his excitement before taking the ice for the first time at camp. “I was way too excited for this game! I couldn't wait to get out there."

Johnson did play two games last year with the Cougars, but he made it very clear that he’s here to turn some heads. “It’s different because now I’ve got some experience, and I know that I can make the team. It’s different because I feel like I have so much to prove, and I’m willing to do whatever I need to do to make it.”

One game does not define a training camp, but both McDonald and Johnson set the bar high during day one, and day two promises to be filled with excitement as the veterans take the ice in game situations for the first time.

Off the ice it was equally as exciting as handfuls of excited Cougars fans took advantage of the free opportunity to watch the future Cougars. The buzz in the community continues to translate into a big-time spike in season ticket sales. 

Fans are reminded that all of training camp is open to the public, and the first scrimmage goes Saturday morning at 9:00 AM at the CN Centre. The Ticketmaster box office will also be open during their usual business hours to assist with ticket inquiries.

The Prince George Cougars would once again like to thank everyone who attended the Young Guns Game, and the rest of the weekend promises to provide even more excitement and positivity throughout the City of Prince George.