Prince George Cougars - Feed

William Thompson Excited for Future with the Prince George Cougars

Cole Waldie — Wed, 13 May 2026 19:47:12 +0000

PRINCE GEORGE, BC - Prince George Cougars fans are getting their first look at a highly competitive and skilled forward after the club selected Will Thompson with the 41st overall pick in the second round of the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft. The 6’1” forward captained the U15 North Shore Warriors this past season and put together an impressive offensive campaign, recording 50 points (23 goals, 27 assists) in 30 games. Beyond the numbers, Thompson prides himself on being a dependable two-way centre with a strong hockey IQ and relentless competitiveness. “I’m a centre who can score and has a high hockey IQ,” said Thompson. “I’m very competitive and work very hard.” For Thompson, hearing his name called by Prince George was a moment he will never forget — even if he almost missed it entirely. “Yeah, I was actually on the ice when it happened,” Thompson laughed. “I had a practice, so as soon as I got off I had like 100 missed calls.” Once the excitement settled in, the newest Cougars prospect quickly realized what kind of organization he was joining. “I’m super excited to go to such a great organization,” Thompson said. “The coaching staff and the GM all reached out. It seems like a great organization. I’m super excited to meet the guys and get to work.” Thompson’s season with the Warriors showcased steady growth and development. While the year began slowly, both he and his team found another level as the season progressed. “It was a bit of a slow start, but as the season went on we got more comfortable and picked it up,” he explained. “Near the end of the year we did really well in one tournament and that kind of flipped the switch for us. We had a way better end to the year. It was kind of the same for me — I got more comfortable and just kept improving more and more through the year.” Leadership was another major part of Thompson’s season. Serving as captain for the second time in his young career, he embraced the responsibility and helped guide a close-knit Warriors group throughout the season. “It was an honour this year,” Thompson said. “I enjoyed it with our team. We were like a family and brothers, so it honestly wasn’t too hard. We pushed each other to be better every day.” When describing his game, Thompson points to one of the NHL’s premier two-way forwards as a player he models himself after. “I would say probably Anze Kopitar,” he said. “I feel like my game resembles a lot of his. A two-way centre that can make things happen and also has a very high hockey IQ.” That intelligence and competitiveness are two qualities Thompson believes separate him from his peers. “Just my competitiveness,” he said. “I’m competitive in everything. Me and my brother are quite competitive in everyday life, whether it’s on the ice or in the house. I just hate to lose. I think another one is my IQ. I think that is probably the best part of my game.” Thompson is also already familiar with the recent success the Cougars have built and is eager to eventually experience the atmosphere in Prince George firsthand. “I know they’ve made a few great runs in recent years,” Thompson said. “I know some players who have been drafted there or have lived there, and it just seems like a great team, a great organization, and an awesome place. I’ve seen some of the playoff games on TV and the barn seems packed, so yeah, I’m super excited.”

Cougars Select 10 Players in 2026 WHL Prospects Draft

Cole Waldie — Thu, 07 May 2026 21:34:25 +0000

PRINCE GEORGE, BC – The Prince George Cougars have concluded the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft, selecting 10 players, including six forwards, three defencemen, and one goaltender. Below is a breakdown of each selection. "Today was a great day for the future of the Prince George Cougars," said Cougars' Director of Scouting Leland Mack. "We're looking forward to seeing all draftees at Training Camp in August."

2nd Round – 41st Overall – William Thompson (North Vancouver, BC) The Cougars opened the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft by selecting forward William Thompson from the North Shore Warriors U15 Prep program. The 6’2” centre recorded 50 points (23G-27A-50PTS) during the 2025-26 season and added seven points in three playoff games.

“We are thrilled to select Will,” said Cougars Director of Scouting Leland Mack. “He’s a big, skilled two-way centre who plays with strong defensive detail. We’re excited about what he can bring to our organization in the future.”

4th Round – 87th Overall – Connor King (Corona, CA) The Cougars turned to the blue line and headed south of the border in the fourth round, selecting defenceman Connor King from the LA Jr. Kings 14U program. The right-shot blueliner stands 6’2” and 175 pounds and collected 15 points (7G-8A-15PTS) in 47 games during the 2025-26 season. "Connor is a good skater and also an excellent passer. He plays an all around impressive game." - Mack on King

5th Round – 110th Overall – Reed Sherry (St. Malo, MB) Prince George returned to the forward group with its first of two fifth-round selections, drafting Reed Sherry from the Eastman Selects U15 AAA program. The 5’10” forward posted 31 points in 28 games during the 2025-26 campaign. "Reed is a two-way centre with really good habits. He is reliable and a coaches dream." - Mack on Sherry

5th Round – 115th Overall – Lachlan Vandall (Prince Albert, SK) Forward Lachlan Vandall spent the 2025-26 season with the Prince Albert Pirates U15 AA program, where he recorded an impressive 56 points (21G-35A-56PTS) in just 26 games. The 5’11” left-shot forward adds offensive skill to the Cougars’ draft class. "Lachlan is a duel-threat winter with leadership qualities whose team won the Sask AA provincial championship this season." - Mack on Vandall

6th Round – 133rd Overall – Grady Fuller (White Bear Lake, MN) The Cougars once again went to the United States in the sixth round, selecting defenceman Grady Fuller from St. Thomas Academy HS. Fuller is a 6’1”, 185-pound left-shot defenceman who appeared in 17 games during the 2025-26 season. "Grady is a strong all-around defenceman who played high school hockey on one of Minnesota's top teams as a ninth grader. He has a good combination of smarts and edge to his game." - Mack on Fuller

7th Round – 152nd Overall – Jagger Korol (Regina, SK) Prince George opened the seventh round by selecting forward Jagger Korol from the Prairie Storm program in the Saskatchewan U15 League. The 5’8” forward recorded 58 points (27G-31A-58PTS) during the 2025-26 season while also adding 28 penalty minutes. "He is a skilled player who our staff loved because of how gritty he plays. He finished second in scoring in the Rocky Mountain Classic Tournament in Calgary in November." - Mack on Korol

7th Round – 156th Overall – Blake Sutherlin (San Jose, CA) The Cougars added a goaltender later in the seventh round, selecting Blake Sutherlin from the San Jose Jr. Sharks 14U program. The towering 6’6” netminder played 34 games during the 2025-26 season and posted a 2.24 goals-against average. "Blake is an athletic goalie with great size. His coach this year was Jonathan Cheechoo who thinks he will be an excellent goalie in Junior Hockey." - Mack on Sutherlin

8th Round – 172nd Overall – Jagger Burns (Englewood, CO) Prince George returned to the forward group in the eighth round by selecting Jagger Burns from the Okanagan Hockey Academy Colorado 14U program. Burns compiled 24 points (14G-10A-24PTS) in 39 games during the 2025-26 season. The Burns name is familiar to hockey fans, as his father, Brent Burns, is a longtime NHL defenceman currently with the Colorado Avalanche. "Jagger is a cerebral forward with big upside. He was coached by former Cougars coach Richard Matvichuk this season." - Mack on Burns

8th Round – 179th Overall – Kolbie McColl (Redvers, SK) The Cougars continued their eighth round by selecting defenceman Kolbie McColl from the Estevan Bruins U15 AA program. The 6’2” right-shot defenceman recorded 15 points in 26 games during the 2025-26 season. "Kolbie is a good skating defenceman with good size and skill." - Mack on McColl

8th Round – 180th Overall – Cruz Buchanan (St. Albert, AB) The Prince George Cougars concluded the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft by selecting forward Cruz Buchanan from the St. Albert Sabres U15 program. Buchanan finished the 2025-26 season with 41 points (17G-24A-41PTS) in 33 games played. "He has a high motor and a highly skilled centre who plays bigger than he actually is." - Mack on Buchanan

For the full WHL Draft list, click HERE.

Cougars Sign 2007-born Forward Tre Peck to WHL Scholarship & Development Agreement

Cole Waldie — Tue, 05 May 2026 18:25:09 +0000

PRINCE GEORGE, BC — The Prince George Cougars have announced today that they have signed forward Tre Peck (’07) to a WHL Scholarship & Development Agreement. Peck, a product of Orono, MN, spent the 2025–26 season with the Spruce Grove Saints (BCHL). “Tre has a ton of skill and plays the game hard,” said Cougars Director of Player Personnel Bob Simmonds. “He generates a lot of offence and will fit in nicely with our team. He adds depth to our forward group, and we’re excited to see him at training camp.” “I couldn’t be more excited,” said Peck. “This is an amazing organization, and I’ve heard nothing but great things from so many people. I followed the team throughout the season and playoffs, and it looks like such a great place to play.” Peck put together an impressive 2025–26 campaign, recording 47 points (17G-30A) in 52 games. The 5’7”, 170-pound forward was also named to the BCHL All-Star Game this past season. “I’m a player who loves to create offence,” added Peck. “I use my speed and quickness to my advantage. I enjoy setting up teammates, but I can also finish plays. As much as I love the offensive side, I understand the importance of playing a full 200-foot game. Most importantly, I just want to help the team win.” Peck is also committed to the United States Military Academy (Army West Point) for his NCAA scholarship. The Cougars would like to welcome Tre and his family to the organization and to the city of Prince George.

2026 Prince George Cougars WHL Prospects Draft Preview

Cole Waldie — Mon, 04 May 2026 17:22:28 +0000

PRINCE GEORGE, BC – The 2026 Western Hockey League Prospects Draft is set for Wednesday, May 6 through Thursday, May 7, as the next wave of WHL talent prepares to take the next step in their hockey journey.

Round 1 of the draft will be streamed live FREE on Victory+ TV on Wednesday, May 6, while fans can follow all remaining rounds in real time online on Thursday.

The 2025 WHL Prospects Draft:

The Prince George Cougars made seven selections in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft, highlighted by first-round pick Cohen Baker (Kamloops, BC).

In total, the Cougars added:

4 forwards
2 defencemen
1 goaltender

Fans can view the full 2025 draft class HERE.

The 2026 WHL Prospects Draft:

The Cougars enter the 2026 WHL Prospects Draft with nine selections.

Prince George Cougars 2026 Draft Picks:

Round 2 – 41st overall
Round 4 – 87th overall
Round 5 – 110th overall, 115th overall (From EVT)
Round 6 – 133rd overall
Round 7 – 152nd Overall (From SAS), 156th overall
Round 8 – 172nd overall (SEA), 179th overall, 180th overall (From EDM)

Please note there will be no WHL U.S. Priority Draft in 2026. Beginning this year, all North American players will be eligible for selection in the WHL Prospects Draft.

2025-2026 Prince George Cougars Awards: Michael Fogolin Memorial Award (Player’s Choice Award): Bauer Dumanski

Cole Waldie — Fri, 01 May 2026 19:18:29 +0000

Over this week, the Prince George Cougars are rolling out their year end awards for the 2025-2026 season. Two winners will be announced each day. Check the Cougars website or social platforms to see the winners over the week.

The Prince George Cougars are proud to announce that captain Bauer Dumanski has been named the recipient of the 2025-26 Michael Fogolin Memorial Award. This award is presented annually to the player who best represents the Cougars both on and off the ice, as voted on by members of this year’s team. Dumanski delivered an outstanding final season in Prince George, which saw him become the Prince George Cougars franchise leader in games played among defenceman (309). In the 2025-26 campaign, the product of Lockwood, SK compiled 39 points (9-30-29) in 60 games played.

2025-2026 Prince George Cougars Awards: Troy Bourke Award (Offensive Player of the Year): Terik Parascak

Cole Waldie — Fri, 01 May 2026 18:22:31 +0000

Throughout this week, the Prince George Cougars are rolling out their year end awards for the 2025-2026 season. Two winners will be announced each day. Check the Cougars website or social platforms to see the winners over the week. The Prince George Cougars are proud to announce that forward and Washington Capitals Prospect Terik Parascak has been named the recipient of the 2025-26 Troy Bourke Award, presented annually to the team’s Offensive Player of the Year. This marks the first time Parascak has earned the honour. The Lethbridge, AB product leaves a lasting legacy in Prince George as the franchise’s second all-time leader in points (266) Parascak had a standout 19-year-old campaign, leading the Cougars in scoring with 79 points (33 goals, 46 assists) in 61 games.

2025-2026 Prince George Cougars Awards: Brett Connolly Award (Rookie of the Year): Dmitri Yakutsenak and Brock Souch

Cole Waldie — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 20:01:15 +0000

Throughout this week, the Prince George Cougars are rolling out their year end awards for the 2025-2026 season. Two winners will be announced each day. Check the Cougars website or social platforms to see the winners over the week. The 2025-2026 Brett Connolly Rookie of the Year Award goes to forwards Dmitri Yakutsenak and Brock Souch. In his rookie season, Yakutsenak and Souch combined for 123 points (Souch, 28-45-73 - Yakutsenak, 25-25-50) in the 2025-2026 season. Yakutsenak was the 49th overall selection by the Cougars in the 2025 CHL Import Draft. For Souch, he was acquired by the Cougars in a trade with the Regina Pats in the 2025 off-season and played his first WHL Season with the Cougars. The Rookie of the Year Award is named after alumnus Brett Connolly. Connolly played for the Cougars from 2008 to 2011, appearing in 144 career regular season games, where he compiled 86 goals and 66 assists for 152 points. He was the WHL and CHL Rookie of the Year in 2008-09, and won silver and bronze medals at two World Junior Hockey Championships with Team Canada. Connolly was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first-round, 6th overall, in the 2010 NHL Draft. The Prince George product has played in nearly 500 games in the NHL with Tampa Bay, Boston, Washington and Florida. Connolly won the Stanley Cup in 2018 with the Washington Capitals.

Dominant Season Earns Ravensbergen WHL Goaltender of the Year

Cole Waldie — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 17:01:36 +0000

PRINCE GEORGE, BC – The Prince George Cougars are proud to announce that San Jose Sharks prospect Josh Ravensbergen has been named the recipient of the Del Wilson Memorial Trophy as the WHL’s Goaltender of the Year. Ravensbergen becomes the first goaltender in Prince George Cougars history to earn the honour. Ravensbergen was outstanding in his third season with the Cougars, leading the WHL in wins (32) and save percentage (.919). He also ranked second in shutouts (4), fourth in goals-against average (2.51), and sixth in minutes played (2,680). Over his WHL career, Ravensbergen posted a 91-30-4-2 record, establishing the best winning percentage in franchise history. His 91 career victories rank third all-time among Cougars goaltenders. He also compiled ten shutouts which ranks in second among all Cougar goaltenders. In the postseason, Ravensbergen recorded a 17-9-4 mark, with his 17 wins setting a new franchise record for playoff victories. The North Vancouver, BC product was originally undrafted in the WHL before signing with the Cougars in the spring of 2023. He was later selected in the first round of the 2025 NHL Draft by the San Jose Sharks, solidifying his place as one of the top goaltenders in franchise history.

2025-2026 Prince George Cougars Awards: Chris Mason Three Stars Award: Josh Ravensbergen

Cole Waldie — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:44:24 +0000

Throughout the week, the Prince George Cougars are rolling out their year end awards for the 2025-2026 season. Two winners will be announced each day. Check the Cougars website or social platforms to see the winners over the week. The Prince George Cougars are pleased to announce that goaltender Josh Ravensbergen is the recipient of the 2025-26 Chris Mason Award, presented annually to the player with the most Three Star selections over the course of the season. Ravensbergen delivered electrifying performances all year long. Ravensbergen led the WHL in wins (32) and save percentage (.919). The San Jose Sharks first round pick of 2025 also became the Prince George Cougars all-time playoffs wins leader (17), surpassing Scott Myers.

2025-2026 Prince George Cougars Awards: Spirit of the North Healthcare Humanitarian Award: Corbin Vaughan

Cole Waldie — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:39:24 +0000

Over the next week, the Prince George Cougars are rolling out their year end awards for the 2025-2026 season. Two winners will be announced each day. Check the Cougars website or social platforms to see the winners over the week. The 2025-2026 Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation Humanitarian Award goes to defenceman Corbin Vaughan. The Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation Humanitarian Award goes to the player who makes significant contributions within the community through various programs and initiatives. Vaughan was a key member of the very successful Spirit of Healthy Kids (SOHK) Regional Program. The program is a collaborative effort with the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation and the Northern Health Authority. Vaughan was one of several players who volunteered countless hours to the SOHK program. The program uses Cougars players as role models and teaches elementary school children the importance of reading, increasing physical activity, practicing healthy behaviours, and showing the spirit of kindness.