In a game that was marred by a line brawl with only second left on the clock, the Prince George Cougars posted at 5-2 win over the Victoria Royals Saturday. Twelve fighting majors were handed out in the final 12 seconds of the game.
Penalties made a huge impact on the final result on Saturday, with three of the five goals by the Cougars coming on the man advantage.
Cole Dubinsky was the top scorer for the Cougars in the victory, scoring two goals. Forward Chase Wheatcroft also put on a strong performance with a goal and an assist, while starting goaltender Tyler Brennan stopped 21 of 23 shots against.
The recently acquired Alex Thacker (2) would give Victoria (3-16-3-0) the early 1-0 lead with his first goal as a member of the Royals at the 11:24 mark of the first period. Forward Teague Patton and defenceman Kalem Parker would pick up assists on the play.
That lead would hold until late in the frame when Prince George (12-9-0-0) forward Cole Dubinsky (7) potted one following a costly turnover by the Royals at their own blueline, tying the game at 1-1 heading into the second.
The Cougars would carry the momentum into the second, make it 2-1 early in the frame on a powerplay marker by forward Cole Dubinsky (8), his second of the night.
However, the Royals would soon respond as top prospect Cole Reschny scored his first WHL goal to tie the game at 2-2 at the 15:17 mark.
Forward Jake Poole and defenceman Justin Kipkie would pick up assists on the play. With the point, Poole extended his scoring streak to five games.
Prince George would break the tie with a goal by forward Ondrej Becker (5) at 16:27 of the second, before doubling up their lead on a powerplay goal from forward Chase Wheatcroft (16) at the 17:29 mark.
The Cougars would add one more in the second, with forward Riley Heidt collecting his team’s third powerplay goal of the night at 19:15 to bring the score to 5-2 entering the third.
Despite several chances from both sides, the third period would pass without a goal and the game would end with Prince George taking home the 5-2 victory.
Victoria starting goaltender Logan Cunningham made 25 saves on 30 shots in the defeat.
Looking ahead, Prince George will return home for a matchup against the Moose Jaw Warriors this Wednesday, Nov. 23.
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