Cariboo Cougars prepare for BCEHL playoffs

Mar 6, 2025 | 5:57 PM

PRINCE GEORGE— After clinching first place in the BC Elite Hockey League (BCEHL) standings, the U18 AAA Cariboo Cougars are preparing to host their first playoff series at home this weekend against the Thompson Blazers.

“When you clinch home ice and clinch first place, it’s a good feeling in the dressing room. We’re definitely not getting ahead of ourselves. We know we have a tough test…Thompsons a better team in the record (5-31-0-0), we know this. We know what to expect. We’re ready to go and we’re eager to go and excited for Friday,” said Cariboo Cougars Head Coach, Tyler Brough.

While the team has swept the season series against the Blazers this season, outscoring them 34-9, the players are making sure to take it one game at a time and focus on the task at hand.

“Playoffs is a different breed. Rankings go out the window as soon as the puck drops. At the end it’s whoever comes out on top, so we can’t take their team lightly. We have to do what we need to do prepare, play our game and just hope we come out on top from that,” said Team Captain, Grady Gustafson.