The Penticton Vees fell 4-1 at the hands of the Cougars in Prince George on Friday night to open the 2026-27 WHL season. 

Special teams were the difference as the Cougars struck for two powerplay goals while the Vees were unable to capitalize on their five opportunities. 

The Cougars got things started on the powerplay against the Vees as Tre Peck scored his first WHL goal to make the score 1-0 after 20-minutes of play. 

A tough bounce led to the Cougars second goal and then Peck struck for his second powerplay goal of the night to make it 3-0. 

The Vees got on the board with seven minutes to go in the second period as Tristan Petersen won a battle in behind the net and Tyden Bergeson scooped up the loose puck and wrapped it in for his first WHL goal to make the score 3-1 after the second period. 

The Vees pushed in the third but were unable to solve Cougars goaltender Alexander Levshyn again. Prince George would add an empty netter to make the final 4-1. 

 

GAME STATS

Shots:

Vees- 30

Cougars- 25

 

Scoring:

Vees- Tyden Bergeson

Cougars- Tre Peck (2), Riley Ashe, Lee Shurgot 

 

Power Plays:

Vees- 0/5

Cougar- 2/3

 

Goaltending:

Vees- AJ Reylts – 21/24

Cougars- Alexander Levshyn – 29/30

 

Up Next: The Vees and Cougars meet again Saturday night to wrap up a two game weekend series in Prince George.