Cougars Begin 2024 with 6-2 Win Over Wenatchee
Photo: Russ Alman
Wenatchee, WA – The Prince George Cougars continued their success on the road by earning their third consecutive road victory with a 6-2 triumph over the Wenatchee Wild at the Town Toyota Centre on Wednesday.
Zac Funk, displaying an outstanding performance, secured his sixth hat-trick and became the first CHL skater this season to reach the remarkable 40-goal plateau. Riley Heidt, in tandem with his tremendous season, contributed two goals to the scoreboard, while Borya Valis made a stellar debut with three assists. Rookie goaltender Josh Ravensbergen earned his 13th win of the season, making 25 saves.
The game unfolded with the Cats taking an early lead in the opening period. Terik Parascak found Riley Heidt on an odd man rush, and Heidt capitalized, notching his 21st goal of the year to make it 1-0. Borya Valis helped quickly double the Cougars’ lead at 7:54, spotting Oren Shtrom in tight to score his 8th of the season. Wenatchee responded with Briley Wood’s goal on a 2 on 1 at 10:55, narrowing the gap to 2-1 by the end of the first period.
The second period saw the Cougars extend their lead as Riley Heidt netted his second of the night just 45 seconds in. Despite a power-play goal from Wenatchee’s Graham Sward at 3:51, the Cougars maintained control, and Chase Pauls set up Zac Funk’s goal at 18:19, securing a 4-2 lead after two periods.
In a dominating final period, the Cougars outshot the Wild 14-6. Zac Funk continued to shine, scoring at 7:58 and completing his hat-trick at 14:07, reaching the 40-goal milestone for the season.
Looking ahead, the Prince George Cougars will carry their momentum into Seattle on Friday as they face the Thunderbirds for the first time this season. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 at the accesso ShoWare Centre.
FINAL SCORE:
PG 6 WEN 2
FINAL SHOTS:
PG 36 WEN 28
POWER-PLAYS:
PG: 0-1 WEN: 1-4
GOALTENDERS:
PG: Joshua Ravensbergen (60:00 – 26/28)
WEN: Daniel Hauer (20:00 – 8/10) – Daniel Gee (40:00 – 22/26)
3 STARS:
1.PG: Zac Funk (3-0-3)
2.WEN: Briley Wood (1-1-2)
3.PG: Riley Heidt (2-0-2)
POST GAME INTERVIEW WITH ASSOCIATE COACH JIM PLAYFAIR: