Let’s paint the town white (black and red).
We have already witnessed hockey history, and there might be more in store.
Our Prince George Cougars have steamrolled their way into the WHL playoffs, ringing off 19 straight games recording at least a point, going 17-0-1-1 during that red-hot streak. The Cats open up their postseason as the Number 1 ranked team in the CHL. For the uninitiated, they’re the top-ranked junior team in the nation, including the Western Hockey League, Ontario Hockey League and Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League. Out of the 60 teams with these three leagues, Prince George is on top to end the regular season.
Along the way, this group of young men has shattered franchise records, including wins (49) and points (102). Individually, the Cougars have three players with more than 100 points, a rarity in any league, at any level.
Now comes the real test. Throughout the history of playoffs in all sports, top-ranked teams have run the gamut, from bowing out in the first round to riding the momentum of regular season success all the way to championship. For the first time in recent memory, the Cougars aren’t the scrappy underdog in the playoffs, they’re the odds-on favourite. That label and their CHL ranking didn’t come by accident, they’re an excellent squad, with balance from the crease outward.
I’ve experienced living in cities in Ontario who have had championship OHL and Memorial Cup teams, and the atmosphere around those teams was electric. It’s a fever, and unlike most fevers since 2020, it’s one that we should all catch and spread. Flags, banners and all sorts of decorations adorned homes, high-rises and cars during those championship runs. What that means to a city is palpable: pride, engagement and a common rallying point.
As of writing, there are still tickets available for the first two games of the Cougars-Spokane Chiefs series this weekend. Let’s fill the barn and get loud and proud. In recent times, there hasn’t been too much locally to cheer about; something that we can all get behind.
That changes this weekend.
The cost of winning is high, regardless of the endeavour. It requires sacrifice, perseverance and a shared vision of what success means; furthermore, it means putting the goal (pun intended) above individual success. With a bottom in every seat at CN Centre this weekend, and the hockey gods willing, for many several more weeks to come we can bear witness to our team playing for our city, blazing a trail to glory.
