Chase Witala and other Cougar alumni sign autographs for fans Friday at CN Centre – photos 250News

Prince George, B.C. – Prince George Cougars fans waited patiently for a chance to meet their heroes Friday afternoon at CN Centre.

The Cats held a meet and greet as part of their weekend Alumni Hospital Charity Golf Tournament.

Lucky fans not only had a chance to get their favourite players autographs but to also tour the Cougars dressing room.

Young Ashlyn Butler said she was there to see Dan Hamhuis.

Cougar owner and Dallas Star Dan Hamhuis with young fan Ashlyn Butler

“He’s a good player and my family follows him a lot. We wanted to see him play as a Canuck so we’re kind of upset he isn’t there anymore.”

Shayne Petch plays hockey for the College Heights Community Association. Her favourite player is current Cougar captain Sam Ruopp.

“She knows everything about him, she’s got a three foot Cougars flag hanging on her bedroom wall and pictures of him,” said mother Tara. “Her jersey also hangs there proudly.”

Season ticket holder Ryan Fournier had a list of players he wanted to meet.

Cougars owner Eric Brewer

“Obviously Dan Hamhuis, Eric Brewer, Brandon Manning and a lot more Cougar alumni.”

Cougars president Greg Pocock said alumni weekend is a chance to “let our hair down and have a good time with our fans.” He also says having a strong alumnus is important to the team’s future.

Tara Petch and daughter Shayne

“I can’t say enough about how important a strong alumni group is to the success of the franchise. These guys are out in various communities across Western Canada, throughout the world really and they’ll either sing your praises or they won’t,” he said.

“And if you’ve got them pulling for you there’s half your recruiting efforts already done for you. So it’s important.”

Some of the alumni on hand included Chase Witala, Myles Zimmer, Dan Baum, Quinn Hancock, Brian Matte, Stu Malgunas, Tyler Brough, Dana Tyrell, Aaron Macklin and Eric Brewer.

The weekend continues today with the golf tournament at the Prince George Golf and Curling Club.