Image Credit: Prince George Cougars

By Victor Kaisar

Cougars 3 Thunderbirds 0

Cooper Michaluk’s first career shutout leads Cougars to win over Thunderbirds

Jan 5, 2025 | 9:36 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — Cooper Michaluk’s first career shutout led the Prince George Cougars to a 3-0 win over the Seattle Thunderbirds Saturday (Jan. 4) night.

The 19-year-old Michaluk was the hero in a green shell, as he stopped all 24 shots he faced in his 81st career WHL game for his 25th win, and fourth of this season on Nickelodeon night at the CN Centre.

The special edition lime green Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles jerseys that the Cougars wore will be auctioned for charity.

Lee Shurgot, Borya Valis, and Riley Heidt scored for the Cougars who took the season series over the lowly Thunderbirds three games to one. Seattle’s lone win over Prince George came on Friday night.

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Shurgot’s goal from the high slot at 10:09 of the opening period stood up as the game winner at the CN Centre.

Michaluk, who likely channeled some turtle power, was named first star on the night. The Edmonton native was called into action with 10 saves in the scoreless second period to preserve the Cougars slender lead.

Third period goals from Borya Valis and an empty netter from Riley Heidt then sealed the win for the Cougars who – cowabunga, dude – have won eight of their last ten games.

Seattle’s Scott Ratzlaff, who was invited to Canada’s world junior selection camp, earned second star honours as he turned aside 39 of 41 shots he faced.

The Cougars improve to 22-10-3-2, and remain in second place in the WHL’s Western Conference with 49 points from 37 games, two more than the Victoria Royals. The Thunderbirds meanwhile drop to 12-23-2-1 and sit in the basement of the Conference.

The Cougars are next in action at the CN Centre on Tuesday, Jan. 7, against the Vancouver Giants. They’ll also play the Giants on Wednesday, with both games scheduled for 7:00 p.m.