By Dave Branco

From Roger Neilson’s frustration to Prince George’s obsession, one towel changed hockey forever

Mar 27, 2026 | 12:04 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – The Prince George Cougars kick off their playoff run this Friday, and the CN Centre is set to be packed with fans in white. The tradition started in 1982 when a coach waved a towel at a referee out of frustration. Since 1997, Prince George has embraced this iconic hockey ritual.

​The Cougars’ whiteout is a standout tradition in the WHL. During playoffs, fans pack the CN Centre in white shirts and wave white towels. Their energy creates an atmosphere visiting teams don’t often experience. As Cole Waldie, the Voice of the Cougars, says, there’s simply no place like it in the WHL.

​The Whiteout tradition in Prince George started during the 1997 playoffs. In the past three years, it has become a key part of the playoffs. Waldie says the players feel the excitement building all week before the first puck drops.

​The tradition of waving white towels began in 1982 during a Campbell Conference Final against the Chicago Blackhawks. Vancouver assistant coach Roger Neilson, upset with the officiating, tied a white towel to a hockey stick and waved it from the bench. By game three in Vancouver, thousands of fans joined in, waving towels in support, and a hockey tradition was born.

From Roger Neilson's frustration to Prince George's obsession, one towel changed hockey forever

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​The Canucks’ tradition spread throughout the NHL, inspiring Calgary’s sea of red and Winnipeg’s whiteout. In Prince George, the Cougars have put their own spin on it. During the playoffs, fans are encouraged to wear white and cheer as loudly as possible.

​The puck drops Friday night as the Cats take on the Chiefs at the CN Centre. Cougars fans, don’t forget to wear white.