Keaton Dowhaniuk (#24) celebrates a goal in front of the CN Centre during the second round of the WHL playoffs against the Kelowna Rockets. Photo Courtesy: James Doyle

By Tommy Osborne

Cougars Playoffs

Cougars’ success gives local businesses plenty to cheer about

Apr 18, 2024 | 5:48 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – The Prince George Cougars have enjoyed a dominant post season so far, going 7-1 and currently holding a 3-1 series lead over the Kelowna Rockets in round two of the WHL playoffs. While that level of success has not surprisingly lead to the team and fans being excited, local businesses like pubs and restaurants have also been enjoying the Cougars’ strong play.

“I would say ballpark is probably about 60 to 70% more business, especially on a Tuesday night, which is usually one of our slower nights. We’ve been packed on those away games for sure, it’s been excellent,” said Nelly’s Pub owner Stewart Malgunas. Beyond being a big fan of the Cougars, Malgunas hosts watch parties at Nelly’s pub.

“Our Winston’s Resto-bar and our Shogun Japanese Steakhouse have definitely had an increase in dinner reservations before the games, we’ve also seen people come in after the game for a late night appy and nightcap,” said Jamie Young, the Coast Hotel’s Accountant.

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Beyond restaurants the Cougars themselves obviously benefit greatly from the on-ice success, as each playoff game at the CN Centre has been sold out, which coincides with a sharp profit increase of merchandise and concession. However, both the visiting team and all the fans filling the stadium need a place to stay, which means hotels have also seen an uptick in business.

“Since they’ve gotten into the playoffs, we’ve seen a huge increase in our rooms occupied and our revenues. It’s very good to see. That’s from people coming in to support the Kelowna Rockets, as well as the outlining communities around Prince George coming to support the Cougars,” said Young.

Young added that the Coast was so packed at the start of round two that the hotel actually had to turn away the Kelowna Rockets team itself! While the hotel being at full capacity wasn’t just because of the WHL playoffs, the extra fans coming in certainly played a big role. Businesses all across Prince George are booming because of the playoffs, but it’s not just the owners that benefit. For example, in a hotel you need to hire more cleaning staff, and with a busy pub or restaurant you of course need more staff too.

“We’re bringing in a couple of extra servers and extra staff to help out, and it benefits everybody with getting more wages and more tips,” said Malgunas.

The Cougars playoff success up to this point has left both fans and local businesses cheering, and with the playoff run expected to continue for at least a couple more weeks, it looks like our entire community can continue to celebrate a historically great season.

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