Prince George, B.C. – “Last year we just wanted the experience, this year we’re feeling as if we’re ready for it.”

The words of Prince George Cougars Business VP Andy Beesley as he describes the club’s mind set heading into their first round playoff series versus the Seattle Thunderbirds.

“The mood in the office is that we want to go deep into the playoffs,” he says. “And we’re all realistic about things, anything can happen, but there’s no reason not to believe that our team can go extremely deep if not all the way this year.”

Andy Beesley, VP Business, PG Cougars

But for that to happen, Beesley says they won’t be able to do it alone, they’ll need their fans to help cheer them to victory.

“We talk to the players about the difference crowds make, when there’s lots of loud people in the building, I think it’s more than people realize,” he says.

“Every single player will tell you the same thing, that they get motivated just like everybody else, they feel the chills like everybody else. It’s really important for our players to know that Prince George is behind them.”

And though tickets for next week’s home games “are going extremely well,” he says it’s best to grab them early to avoid standing in long lineups on game day.

“We are still aware that playoffs are a new thing for Prince George, it’s been a long, long time since the Cougars have had regular playoff runs, so people should get their tickets in advance.”

As for the series itself, games one and two will go this weekend in Seattle (game one goes tomorrow night), with game three scheduled for 7pm Tuesday at CN Centre. The puck will drop for game four the same time Wednesday night.

If necessary another home game, game six, would go Sunday, April 3 at 7pm.