By Ethan Ready

New Cats

Cougars sign McNutt and Shantz following training camp

Sep 15, 2021 | 11:39 AM

PRINCE GEORGE – The Prince George Cougars have announced the signings of two 2005-born players on Wednesday.

The team signed defenceman Ephram McNutt and forward Zackary Shantz to WHL Standard Player Agreements.

“Both Ephram and Zack had very strong showings during our Training Camp,” said Cougars’ Director of Scouting Bob Simmonds. “They were determined to prove they can play at this level and earned their agreements. Both will be really good fits to our skilled, young core going forward.”

Ephram McNutt signs his WHL Standard Player Agreement with the Prince George Cougars. (Photo Courtesy: PG Cougars)

McNutt was drafted by the Cougars in the fifth round, 92^nd overall, in the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft. The product of Red Deer, AB played the 2020-21 season with the Red Deer Chiefs U-18 AAA in the Alberta Elite Hockey League. McNutt’s season was limited to just five games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but he averaged a point-per-game as he had five points (1g-4a) in five games. During the 2019-20 season, McNutt played for the Red Deer Rebels U-15 AAA and compiled 18 points (2g-16a) in 30 games.

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Zachary Shantz signs his WHL Standard Player Agreement with the Prince George Cougars. (Photo Courtesy: PG Cougars)

Shantz was drafted by the Cougars in the third round, 66^th overall, in the 2020 WHL Prospects Draft. Shantz’s 2020-21 season was limited to just three games, but he still made an offensive impact, as he registered four points (2g-2a) in three games for Northern Alberta Xtreme U-16 Prep in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League. In his draft season, the High Prairie, AB product amassed 52 points (34g-18a) in 33 games with the Grande Prairie Storm U-15 AAA. Shantz was named the 2019-20 Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League Most Valuable Player.

Prince George opens their 2021 WHL Pre-Season Schedule on the road as they visit the Kamloops Blazers on Friday, September 17^th. The Cougars host Kamloops on Saturday, September 18^th at the CN Centre.