Cougars looking to turn corner

Warriors head coach Scott King believes the team’s blend of youth and experience provides an opportunity for growth. He says veteran players play an important role in mentoring younger teammates while everyone focuses on improving each day.

King says consistency has been the biggest challenge for Moose Jaw. He believes the Warriors are at their best when they manage the puck effectively and stick to their systems, but notes that straying from those habits can quickly put the team in difficult situations.

The Prince George Cougars are dealing with similar challenges. Associate coach Jim Playfair says his club has done a good job of starting games strongly but has struggled at times to maintain that level throughout the contest.

Playfair points to brief lapses in structure as an area the team continues to address. He believes those learning experiences will ultimately make the Cougars a stronger team as the season progresses.

With seven consecutive games on home ice, Playfair sees an opportunity for Prince George to build momentum and work its way back toward the .500 mark. He says the focus remains on the process rather than the standings, emphasizing strong team play and attention to detail.

Cougars defenceman Kolten Bridgeman agrees consistency has been the key issue. He says the team has often started games well and built leads, only to see opponents rally in the third period. Rather than sitting back, Bridgeman believes the Cougars must continue pushing the pace and playing aggressively when they have an advantage.

As both teams continue searching for stability in their game, this weekend’s matchup presents an opportunity to take a step forward. With two evenly matched clubs looking to build momentum, the battle between the Cougars and Warriors could come down to which team can sustain its game plan from opening faceoff to final horn.

by Stephen Lewyta

Cougars looking to turn corner

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