Image Credit: WHL / James Doyle

By James Peters

WHL Playoffs

Cougars storm back, stun Winterhawks to take Game 1, 7-6 in overtime

Mar 29, 2025 | 7:22 AM

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — It was a thrilling start to the Western Hockey League playoffs for the Prince George Cougars Friday night (March 28), as the Cougars came back from a three-goal, third-period deficit to defeat the Portland Winterhawks 7-6 in overtime of their first-round opener.

Terik Parascak scored the winner — his second of the game — 6:40 into the first overtime period. The goal was initially waved off due to the net being dislodged as Parascak took the shot, but was deemed a good goal upon review.

Portland was firmly in control after two periods, leading 5-2 heading into the third. That’s when Prince George stormed back with four straight goals to take a 6-5 lead.

Winterhawks forward Joel Plante scored with 3:08 remaining in the third to send the game to overtime.

Aside from Parascak’s pair, the Cougars got two goals from Matteo Danis and singles from Borya Valis, Riley Heidt and Bauer Dumanski.

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Josh Zakreski replied with two goals for Portland. Plante, Carter Sotheran, Alex Weiermair and Diego Buttazzoni notched the other Winterhawk goals.

Cooper Michaluk made 23 saves in the Cougar net after coming on in relief of Joshua Ravensbergen, who was lifted early in the second period.

Attendance was 5,610 fans at CN Centre.

The Cougars take a 1-0 series lead into tonight’s Game 2 rematch. Puck drop is 6:00 p.m. at CN Centre.