Cougars ready for Vees rematch

PRINCE GEORGE-The Prince George Cougars open their WHL season tonight with a familiar storyline: a home crowd ready to roar, a refreshed roster eager to prove itself, and the Penticton Vees — the very team that eliminated them from last year’s playoffs — standing in the way. And while both clubs have turned over pieces, players on both sides say the history between these teams still adds intensity to the matchup.

Inside the Cougars’ dressing room, the focus is on setting a tone early and showing that this year’s group is built to push forward. Forward Koy Funk says the Cougars want to establish their identity immediately, explaining that “we just want to be a hardworking team” and that they hope to “get off the gates quick here and set the tone.” Funk, who brings size and physicality, says he plans to “get a couple bumps in early,” adding that physical play is a big part of how the Cougars intend to assert themselves against a structured opponent.

The memory of last year’s playoff exit still lingers. Funk says the team hasn’t forgotten how that series ended, noting “we remember how it went down last year,” and that the group wants to “start the season off hot” with a strong weekend. He says the Cougars know the Vees are dangerous offensively, pointing out that Penticton “really explode in those zones,” which means Prince George will need to stay disciplined defensively and capitalize on scoring chances.