By Jaeden Demelo

Cougars

Shorthanded Cougars grab three of four available points on opening weekend

Sep 22, 2024 | 4:23 PM

PRINCE GEORGE— The Prince George Cougars wrapped up their first weekend of the 2024-25 WHL Season on a high note Saturday. After dropping their home and season opener 4-3 in overtime against the Spokane Chiefs, the Cougars grabbed their first win of the season 3-1.

“We had a young team and they had a young team, too. So It was a pretty even game but it doesn’t matter what the opponent has. You’ve got to play a real smart game. That’s what we did and we got the win,” said GM and Head Coach Mark Lamb after the Cougars first victory.

Like in the opener, Prince George conceded the first goal but second year forward Jett Lajoie clawed the game back to a draw with his second goal in as many games.

Lajoie was placed on the top line and first powerplay unit due to nine Cougars still being at NHL Training Camps. The 17-year-old took full advantage of his opportunity as he found Carlin Dezainde for the game winning goal and a four point opening weekend.

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“Laj (Lajoie) is a gamer and that’s what makes him successful. He’s kept up with me for sure, I maybe even kept up with him this weekend,” said fifth year forward Carlin Dezainde on his younger linemate.

The Winnipeg native wasn’t the only young guy to take advantage of the opportunity. Carson Carels collected four assists as he begins his first full season with the club while Dezainde also praised the play of rookie Kayden Lemire.

The team will only get stronger as the season progresses with help already on the way. It was announced on Sunday that last years team leader in playoff goals (9) Borya Valis and defenceman Bauer Dumanski are returning to the Cougars after camp with the Detroit Red Wings.

They’ll get their first chance to suit up in the new season, this Friday (Sept. 27), on the road against the Vancouver Giants.

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Email: jaeden.demelo@pattisonmedia.com