Prince George, BC – The Prince George Cougars will have another home grown product in their line-up for opening night Friday against the Spokane Chiefs.

General Manager Dallas Thompson announced Wednesday the Cougars have acquired 20-year old defenceman and Prince George product Garrett Thiessen from the Edmonton Oil Kings. Thiessen becomes the fourth Cougars player with Prince George roots, joining Brett Connolly, Tyler Miller and Daniel Gibb. With the acquisition of Thiessen, the Cougars have four over-age players on the roster, which they can carry until the October 16^th 20-year old cut down day.

“With the long-term injury to Dallas Jackson, we’re pleased to add Garrett for more experience on the back end,” said Thompson. “This is an opportunity for Garrett to continue his WHL career in Prince George.”

Thiessen was drafted by current Cougars Head Coach Dean Clark with the Kamloops Blazers in the sixth round of the 2004 WHL Bantam Draft. After playing 22 games with the Blazers, the Cougars acquired Thiessen in the 2006-07 season and played 104 games with the Cougars, with a goal and seven assists, to go along with 236 penalty minutes over two years. Last season, Thiessen played for the Prince Albert Raiders, playing 68 games, including a playoff tie-breaker, collecting 9 assists and 125 penalty minutes.

The Cougars roster now includes 26 players, with 13 forwards, 11 defencemen and two goaltenders. The Cougars open the regular season Friday against the Spokane Chiefs, starting at 7:00 at CN Centre. The Cougars annual tailgate party will kick off at 5:00 at the CN Centre parking lot.