Courtesy: Facebook/Prince George Cougars

By Noah Rishaug

WHL Playoffs

Cougars lose 6-4 to Tri City Americans in opening playoff game.

Apr 1, 2023 | 9:59 AM

The Prince George Cougars lost a 6-4 game against the Tri-City Americans on Friday night at CN centre in their first playoff game of the season.

The game had an explosive start, but it wasn’t until late in the first period that the Americans scored two goals. Scored by American’s players Tyson Greenway, and Adam Mechura. The period closed off at 2-0.

Not four minutes into the second period, the Americans made away with yet another goal. Leaving Prince George behind at 3-0. Not yet defeated, Prince George picked up the pace. Caden Brown assisted by Fischer O’Brien put the Cougars back in the game at 3-1. Not three minutes later Hudson Thorton bombed a shot through a congested slot past the goaltender to end the second period with a 3-2 score.

Emboldened by their last period, and determined to win. The third period of the game was by far the most eventful, where Caden Brown, emboldened by his success last period scored yet another goal. Tying the game up at 3-3. Unfortunately for the Cougars, this would be the end of the Cougar’s hot streak. The Americans managed to then squeak out two more goals over the next few minutes, to bring the score to 5-3.

Prince George not to be outdone would score the final goal of their game-tying things up at 5-4 Later in the period after a net-mouth scramble with Jaxsen Wiebe. Prince George believed they had tied up the game, but a referee had determined that the net had been knocked off its pegs keeping the score at 5-4.

Spruce Kings fall in Langley to Rivermen

8h ago

Sexual Assault and Harassment

Judge to rule on Canada Post employee's sexual assault and harassment case

Dec 13, 2025

Weather Alerts

Freezing rain warning issued for Prince George-area, snowfall warning remains for Williston, Pine Pass

Dec 13, 2025

Prince George then pulled their goalie for the final minutes of play where the American’s Jalen Luypen hit an empty net goal off a backhand from the neutral zone. Ending the game off with a final score of 6-4.

• The Cougars and the Americans play their game 2 Saturday at 6:00. P.M. at CN centre in Prince George, before the series heads to Washington, for games 3, and 4.