Photo Credit: WHL

By Jaeden Demelo

Cougars

Cougars share thoughts on heartbreaking first round exit

Apr 9, 2025 | 4:21 PM

PRINCE GEORGE— Many of the Cougars leaders are still recovering from a heartbreaking Game 7 loss against the Portland Winterhawks on Monday (Apr. 9). Despite falling short in the first round, the Cats showed plenty of character battling back from a 3-1 deficit and shared mixed emotions following the end of their season.

“Couldn’t be more proud of the group and the way we found a way to bounce back, but you fall short by a matter of inches. That’s the way the playoffs are and it wasn’t good enough,” said Cougars Captain, Riley Heidt.

“I thought we did a good job of coming back from down three (to) one and being able to battle back with Game 7. Unfortunately we couldn’t get enough of it and let it slip away there,” said Cougars Alternate Captain, Koehn Ziemmer.

“The mentality in our team was to keep going and to not give up, not to fold, and I think that’s what we did. I know it’s not the outcome we wanted, but we truly left everything out there,” said Cougars Alternate Captain, Borya Valis.

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“You never want to lose like that, but everyone showed their true colors, they’re all really good, and everyone showed up when we needed them to,” said Cougars Alternate Captain, Bauer Dumanski.

Despite the loss, the season adds another chapter to one of the best stretches in Prince George Cougars History.

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Email: jaeden.demelo@pattisonmedia.com