Despite their first loss of the 2016-17 season, the sun did in fact rise today in Prince George, and for Richard Matvichuk and the Prince George Cougars, today provides a chance to redeem, a chance to grow and a frankly a chance to see what type of resolve this group has in the face of adversity. Throughout their 8-1 start the Cougars haven’t had to deal with a ton of early adversity, thus tonight’s game will be an intriguing one for multiple reasons.

EVERETT SILVERTIPS

OVERVIEW:

Record: 5-1-1-0 (1-0 vs. PG)

Road Record: 3-0-1

Goals For/Goals Against: 23 GF/13 GA

Power Play: 14.7% (14th in WHL)

Penalty Kill: 85% (5th in WHL)

Leading Scorers: Matt Fonteyne (7GP – 3G – 5A – 8PTS), Graham Millar (7GP – 5G – 2A – 7PTS), Patrick Bajkov (7GP – 1G – 6A – 7PTS)

Head Coach: Kevin Constantine

WHO’S UP FRONT:

Dominic Zwerger: Has now recorded points in four straight games having registered the third Everett goal a night ago. So far this season he’s got three goals and a helper in five games.

Sean Richards: The only Silvertip to record a multi-point game yesterday. His goal and an assist helped pace the Silvertips to a 4-0 win.

WHO’S ON D:

Noah Juulsen/Lucas Skrumeda: The veteran defensive tandem was lights out last night for Everett and as expected they logged major minutes in all situations. The Cougars can expect a steady diet of both again tonight in the rematch.

WHO’S IN GOAL:

Carter Hart: In his 100th career WHL start he earned his 11th career shutout last night. All-in-all it was an easy day at the office for Hart who only made 19 saves, many of which were from the outside. Given the shutout and the low shot totals that he faced Tuesday it would seem likely that the Philadelphia Flyers prospect gets the nod again tonight.

X-FACTOR: The Everett Silvertips FRUSTRATED the Cougars into submission last night and tonight they’ll look to do more of the same. They took away the Cougars speed, size and energy and it ultimately contributed to their victory. A similar approach tonight will be the message, no doubt.

PRINCE GEORGE COUGARS

OVERVIEW:

Record: 8-1-0-0 (0-1 vs. Everett)

Home Record: 4-1-0-0

Goals For/Goals Against: 34 GF/20 GA

Power Play: 20.9% (11th in WHL)

Penalty Kill: 97.6% (1st in WHL. 22/22 since September 28th)

Leading Scorers: Brad Morrison (9GP – 4G – 8A – 12 PTS), Jared Bethune (9GP – 5G – 5A – 10 PTS), Kody McDonald (4GP – 4G – 6A)

Head Coach: Richard Matvichuk

WHO’S UP FRONT:

Jesse Gabrielle: Five points in three games to start the season but had a tough night getting going last night, as did many of his teammates. Look for him to bounce back in a big way tonight.

Yan Khomenko; Didn’t play poorly against his former team by any means, but also had trouble getting going offensively. Look for him to respond with an inspired and dyanmic effort tonight in the rematch. He’s got three goals and seven points through nine games.

WHO’S ON D:

Sam Ruopp: Has only one point in five games, but has done what we’ve come to expect over the years: Chew up minutes. Ruopp and company will also be tasked with coming back with a better effort tonight as the Silvertips had too much room and time in front of the Cougars net last night.

Josh Anderson: Did his best to spark the team after a second period tilt with Montana Onyebuchi. Look for him to once again provide a solid, steady two-way presence tonight for the Cougars.

WHO’S IN GOAL:

Nick McBride: It’s his turn between the pipes and tonight he’ll look to secure his fourth consecutive victory. A big game from McBride will  be important for the Cougars as they’ll need him to be big and perhaps rival the likes of Carter Hart to get the Cougars back on the winning page.

X-FACTOR:

Pride: When things are going well and you’re winning it’s easy to play with pride. But what happens when you lose? Tonight we’ll get a good glimpse of the mental makeup of this Cougars team and how they are able to respond when things aren’t necessarily at their best.