The Prince George Cougars acquired two players at the 2020 WHL trade deadline.
Majid Kaddoura and Jonny Hooker.
Hooker hails from Winnipeg, Manitoba and was acquired from the Brandon Wheat Kings in exchange for Reid Perepeluk.
The 18-year-old forward had 14 goals and 6 assists last season split between the Wheaties and the Cats.
“It was definitely a different year,” shared Hooker to CKPG.
“I thought it was a good transition into the Cougars. I was welcomed with open arms and everyone was great to me!”
Hooker was acquired on January 9th and made his Cougars debut the very next day in Prince Albert against the defending WHL Champions. Hooker would find the back of the net in his first game with the team.
“It was difficult. There was a little bit of stress about meeting the new team, fitting into the systems right away, but they made it as easy as it could be. They didn’t throw too much at me the first game.”
Hooker played a big part in the Cats push for the playoffs at the end of the season. However, now the focus is on the 2020-2021 campaign and the Winnipeg product knows exactly what he needs to work on this off-season to make sure he is at the top of his game for the start of the season.
“I think just working on my release. Working on my defensive zone skating. Creating space for myself is very important to get my shot off, so that’s what I am working on just getting more scoring opportunities in the scoring areas.”
With the way the season wrapped up last year for the Cougars, there is plenty of optimism and high expectations, and for Hooker, he knows a good start to the season will be vital for the team.
“Getting off to a good start and then carrying that throughout the whole year. Before I was on Prince George the guys were telling me that they didn’t have the best start. Just from experience on being on teams who have had really good starts, it is so important.”
As of right now the Cougars and the WHL will begin their 2020-2021 season on October 2nd.
