Cariboo Cougars’ Riley Coish (white) watches rebound of his shot go into net off defender for Cat’s first-period goal Friday. Photo 250 News

Prince George, B.C. – The Cariboo Cougars have their work cut out for them in their B.C. Major Midget semi-final series against the Vancouver Northwest Giants.

Friday night at Kin 1 the Cougars controlled much of the play and outshot their opponents 44-28 but came out on the short end on the scoreboard, dropping game one of the best-of-three series 3-2.

The Giants held a 2-1 lead through 40 minutes and then traded goals in the third to secure the victory.  Their goalie, David Tendeck, made 42 saves including 16 in the third period as the Cougars poured it on but were stymied in attempts to get the equalizer.  Dorrin Luding blocked 25 shots for the home team.

Riley Coish and Josh Maser scored shorthanded goals for the Cougars while Vancouver’s goals came from Liam Kindree, Kyle Kaufmann and Justin Wilson.

What it means is the Cougars must win tonight’s Game 2, starting at 5 pm, to force a third and deciding game at 11 o’clock Sunday morning.