Blazers, Cougars to square off twice this weekend with B.C. Division rivalry brewing

Adding to the intrigue of the B.C. Division tilt is recent history.

The last time the Blazers (25-17-6-4) and Cougars (30-19-2-0) squared off, two Blazers’ defencemen were hurt on what Kamloops head coach Shaun Clouston deemed to be suspension-worthy hits.

One of them, Harrison Brunicke, is expected to return to the lineup on Friday. The other, Dryden Deobald, may also make his return this weekend.

The Pittsburgh Penguins’ prospect Brunicke noted the importance of playing with the lead against Prince George, a potential post-season opponent.

“We’re just looking to kind of have that killer mindset when we’re up, just to put it down their throats and just take over the game,” he said. “We know they’re going to be physical. That’s the way they play. They’ve got guys that are looking to finish a check and stuff like that. We’ve just got to expect it, be ready to play and not shy away from things.”

Cougars’ forward Jett Lajoie, who was suspended for three games for the hit that injured Deobald, is eligible to return to the Prince George lineup on Friday.

“I think we just play hard to the whistles,” Bonkowski said. “They’re a pretty physical team and they’re going to try and run us out with hits and whatnot, but I think we just stick to our game and we’ll be good.”

Bonkowski said a rivalry with the Cougars is developing.

“We’ve had some good games with them this year, some tight ones, some overtime games, so yeah, I definitely think there is something there,” Bonkowski said.

The Blazers are scheduled to host the Victoria Royals on Monday, a 2:00 p.m. start at Sandman Centre.

by Marty Hastings

Blazers, Cougars to square off twice this weekend with B.C. Division rivalry brewing

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