Image credit: Prince George Cougars Hockey Club/Facebook

By Aaron Schulze

Winterhawks 2 Cougars 1 2OT

Double overtime heartbreak: Cougars eliminated by Winterhawks in game six 2-1

May 7, 2024 | 5:14 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — The best season of Prince George Cougars hockey has come to an end.

After setting new regular season records in wins and points, 49 and 102 respectively, and embarking on their deepest Western Hockey League (WHL) playoff run since 2007, the Cougars’ 2023-24 season was cut short in double overtime Monday (May 6) night.

The Cougars were eliminated by the Portland Winterhawks in six games, dropping game six at CN Centre 2-1 2OT.

The Cougars and Winterhawks were going into the third period scoreless, or so the players and fans thought. After the buzzer sounded to mark the end of the second period, the officials looked back at the 19:00 minute mark and determined Winterhawks forward Nate Danielson’s shot crossed the goal line by a hair to make it 1-0 Portland.

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Trailing 1-0 with their season on the line, the Cougars tied the game with Borya Valis finishing his chance in front.

The remainder of the third and even an extra overtime frame wasn’t enough to determine a winner.

More than five minutes into double overtime, Valis had another chance in front of the net, although this time it was blocked. Winterhawks defenceman Josh Mori went the other way, sent forward Josh Davies down the right wing for a shot and the Winterhawks won the game and the series.

The Winterhawks advance to the 2024 WHL Championship series. They’ll face either the Moose Jaw Warriors or Saskatoon Blades for the Ed Chynoweth Cup.

Scoring Summary

First Period

No scoring.

Second Period

1-0, Winterhawks, Nate Danielson (5) from Jack O’Brien, 19:00

Third Period

1-1, Cougars, Borya Valis (9) from Zac Funk and Riley Heidt, 5:45

First Overtime

No scoring.

Second Overtime

2-1, Winterhawks, Josh Davies (5) from Josh Mori, 5:40

Goaltending

Jan Špunar (W), Winterhawks, 48 saves on 49 shots in 86 minutes played.

Joshua Ravensbergen (L), Cougars, 36 saves on 38 shots in 86 minutes played.