Make it three consecutive double-header sweeps for the Prince George Cougars to start the 2016-17 season. Saturday night at the CN Centre the Cougars secured their sixth straight victory, a 3-0 decision over the visiting Kelowna Rockets. Nick McBride was flawless between the pipes turning aside all 29 shots he faced to earn the shutout while Aaron Boyd, Max Martin and Jared Bethune provided the goals. Altogether eight different players secured a point in the Cougars third straight victory against the Rockets, something that hasn’t happened since 1998-1999.

After a scoreless first, the second period seemed destined for the same fate until Aaron Boyd snapped the scoreless tie with his first of the year at 17:13 of the middle period. Yan Khomenko started the play with an excellent pass to Boyd who streaked down the left wing and snapped a quick shot past the glove of Rockets starter Brodan Salmond to give the Cougars the lead.

For a sixth consecutive game the Cougars went into the final period with the lead and for a sixth consecutive game the Cougars were able to complete the victory. Max Martin padded the Cougars lead to 2-0 with a power play goal at 4:07 of the third, and then Jared Bethune clinched the victory with his league leading fifth goal and 10th point at 16:13.

Cougars goaltender Nick McBride was outstanding throughout the game stopping 10 in the first, 13 in the second and six in the third for his fourth career shutout and second victory of the young season.

Special teams once again went in the Cougars favor as they finished the game one-for-six on the power play, and their penalty kill once again came up big going five-for-five. So far this season the Cougars have killed off 33 of 34 penalties for a percentage of 96.8 percent.

After four games in five nights and six games in a nine game span, the Cougars will get some much needed rest before they return to action next Friday at home against the Vancouver Giants.

NOTES:

Over 8000 fans (combined) took in the two games this weekend at CN Centre- THANK YOU!
Yan Khomenko extended his point-streak to three games with an assist on Aaron Boyd’s game winner.
Not only is Jared Bethune the league leader in goals (5) and points (10) but he’s also the current plus-minus leader with a +10 rating. Your WHL Player of the Month for September is….