By Nick Dube
Prince George Cougars

Cougars wrap up a successful season

Apr 20, 2026 | 4:54 PM


PRINCE GEORGE – Several Prince George Cougars spoke to the media Monday following Sunday’s heartbreaking series ending overtime loss to the Penticton Vees. The common theme of every single player on the roster seemed to be the same thing – the closeness of the locker room. This years Cougars team despite losing talent bought in and developed a bond that saw the Cats push all the way to game six of the second round. While packing up for the season the players reflected on the bond of the locker room and friendships they will carry for the rest of their lives.

” It’s a tough day to leave this room but so many good memories and so many great things to think back on. I mean, three playoff runs and a lot of special players and people that I got to meet along the way. You look at our team on paper this year, you might not think that we were we were a three seed vying for for a division title and taking six games in round two. But I think just the way we work, how hard everyone worked and was committed to this group. We had the best goalie in the CHL to back us and there’s just so much work ethic in this group and so much character.” said Cougars forward Terik Parascak.

Monday was bitter sweet with several notable players saying goodbye for the final time. Cats superstar goalie Josh Ravenbergen has grown in his time in Prince George becoming a first round NHL draft pick and will now take his talents to the NCAA’s Michigan State next season. He says his final season was something he will never forget crediting the bonds he’s formed in the locker room and the fans who support the club with making this season so memorable.

“It’s so much fun to play in this building. When it’s packed you could just feel the energy in PG, everyone’s there for you and everyone’s excited about watching Cougars hockey. So something really cool you just see a big crowd and, you know, hearing chants and I’m just thankful for all the fans who come out and support us. ” said Cougars goalie Josh Ravensbergen.

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While the players spoke about the season they all kept coming back to the closeness of this entire group. Even with multiple players moving on from the team the players all agreed that this is a chemistry that will not be easily duplicated as they move forward in their hockey careers. It’s evident that this was a team that brought out the best in each other.

“You look at the group we had in that dressing room and there’s not a single person on that team I’d trade for somebody else. I think it was a very enjoyable year for me with just how tight the guys were in that dressing room because you didn’t have a single person that was outside the group. Everyone was together. No matter what.” said Cougars forward Kooper Gizowski.

One vital piece to the Cougars core will have a busy summer as he begins to map out his future. Carson Carels is expected to be a top pick in the upcoming NHL entry draft and will certainly field offers from many programs south of the border but despite that he remains open to returning to the club next season. Carels credits the Cougars season to a close team dynamic that will be hard to replicate wherever he plays next.

“The group we have in that room is the biggest reason why we made it this far. Everyone was so tight and and close knit like family in there. Nobody didn’t want to come to the rink and that was every day. We kind of look forward to it and I think I’m gonna forever have that. I think it’s something that a lot of teams, teams struggle to find but it came really easy to us.” said Cougars defenseman Carson Carels.

The confirmed departures for the Prince George Cougars are Bauer Dumanski, Kooper Gizowski, Dawson Seitz and Josh Ravensbergen.

by Nick Dube

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