Cougars

Cougars kick off on ice training camp at CN Centre with high hopes

Aug 29, 2024 | 5:14 PM

PRINCE GEORGE— The Cougars return to the ice today for training camp. They’re coming off their greatest season in franchise history, setting records in wins (49), points (102), and even entering last years WHL Playoffs as the number one ranked team in the CHL.

Though the teams Memorial Cup dreams ended just short, falling in the Western Conference Finals in six games to the Portland Winterhawks, Head Coach Mark Lamb believes they can do it again.

“We’ve got a lot of good returning players and a lot of good young players that are looking forward to a real good opportunity.” Said Lamb at the CN Centre Thursday.”Last year is last year and it was great, but you got to come in, you got to reset, and you got to do everything you did last year and more.”

Last years bitter end left star rookie Terik Parascak with a bad taste in his mouth, but after getting drafted 17th overall in the NHL Entry Draft this summer, the 18-year-old is prepared to be a leader on the team.

“I’m a leadership guy on the ice, a guy who competes hard and sacrifices my body.” The Lethbridge native said at the CN Centre Tuesday.”I’m not the loudest guy in the room so I try to lead by example.”

Players looking to get a chance with last year’s B.C. Division winners and have a breakout year like Parascak will have to prove they have more than just skill.

“We look for good people, coachable people, hardworking people and guys that really care about their teammates and find a role.” Said Coach Lamb.

Hopefuls will have to give everything they have come Sunday night to prove they can help the Cougars reach the mountaintop this upcoming season.

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Email: jaeden.demelo@pattisonmedia.com