New era, same expectations ahead

“I think the feeling is pretty good,” said Lamb. “You know, just being around the guys yesterday, did some got on the ice today. Looked at the veterans after their summer. They looked to summer pretty good. Expectations are always the same. You got to put your team together and try to make the playoffs.”

Those expectations come despite significant turnover from a team that has been one of the WHL’s most consistent contenders in recent years. Several familiar stars have moved on, leaving opportunities for younger players to step into larger roles.

Lamb believes that challenge is nothing new.

The veteran bench boss pointed out that every season brings questions about who will replace departing players, but he remains confident the organization can continue developing the next wave of talent. Whether it’s players already on the roster looking for more ice time or newcomers hoping to earn a place in the lineup, the opportunity is there for anyone willing to seize it.

Training camp will be a crucial first test.

Players will be evaluated through fitness testing, practices, scrimmages and a series of showcase games throughout the weekend. The annual Rob Charney Cup intrasquad game on Sunday evening will provide one final opportunity for players to make an impression before roster decisions begin.

Competition is expected throughout the lineup, with no position guaranteed.

“There’s a real good opportunity for some guys to come in here and make the team. But to make the team, you have to bump somebody out,” said Lamb.

That message has resonated throughout the dressing room, particularly among returning players who understand what it takes to compete in the Western Hockey League.

Forward Aiden Foster enters the season as one of the club’s veteran leaders and is eager to help set the tone for a younger group.

Coming off another successful season, Foster spent his offseason focused on becoming a more complete player. Beyond improving his own game, he also recognizes the importance of helping younger teammates navigate their first WHL training camp.

Foster sees a group capable of surprising people despite the roster changes.

“Yeah. I mean, in this room we got a lot of pieces. And I think that’s the thing that puts us. We’re different from other teams. We got a kind of different locker room and I mean our guys gelled together and we’re a competitive team. And I think that’s where we’re going to kind of find push teams on their heels and catch teams off guard is just with our competitive work ethic and just be able to kind of bulldoze over teams.”

That competitiveness has helped define Cougars hockey over the past several seasons and will likely become a key part of this year’s identity as well.

While many teams across the WHL continue adjusting to a changing hockey landscape and frequent roster movement, the Cougars are focusing on what they can control: work ethic, development and culture.

For Foster, establishing that identity early is one of the biggest priorities heading into the season.

“ I feel like we got to get that identity straight right from that first regular season game that no one wants to come up here and play us, and we’re going to be that tough team to play against. I feel like it’s just no easy points against us and we have to get that winning mentality early on in the season and just kind of keep carrying that into the playoffs and roll.”

The Cougars won’t have to wait long to begin putting those goals into practice.

Prince George opens its exhibition schedule September 4 against the Edmonton Oil Kings in Tumbler Ridge before facing the Kamloops Blazers in a pair of preseason contests the following week. The regular season begins at CN Centre on September 18 and 19 against the Penticton Vees.

Between now and then, dozens of players will compete for the opportunity to wear a Cougars jersey when the season begins.

The roster may be evolving, but if training camp is any indication, the standard inside the Cougars dressing room remains exactly where it has been for years: compete, improve and find a way to win.

by Nick Dube

New era, same expectations ahead

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