Early in his WHL career, 17-year-old rookie goaltender Ty Edmonds has put the WHL on notice that he means business. Tuesday night in Prince George, Zach Pochiro and Klarc Wilson scored first period goals and Ty Edmonds did the rest stopping all 31 shots he faced for his first career WHL Shutout, and a 2-0 Prince George Cougars victory against the Victoria Royals.
67 seconds into the first period, the Cougars drew first blood. Zach Pochiro took a Joseph Carvalho pass and raced down the right wing. Pochiro’s low shot snuck past Coleman Vollrath for his first of the season, and a quick lead for the home team.
Victoria responded with some quality chances, but Ty Edmonds was in top form turning aside all 12 shots he faced in the first period.
Late in the first period the Cougars would add to their lead when Troy Bourke, Alex Forsberg and Klarc Wilson combined for an even-strength marker. Troy Bourke took the puck wide and then tried to deke the puck past Vollrath. The puck flew into the air, and Klarc Wilson knocked it home from the goal-mouth for his team-leading fourth goal of the season.
Despite the 2-0 lead, the Cougars were outshot 12-8 after one period.
The teams traded chances in the second period, but neither Ty Edmonds or Coleman Vollrath budged. The Cougars got a 1:24 of five-on-three power play time, but were unable to convert. Victoria had power play chances too, but were unable to capitalize.
More of the same in the third period as both goaltenders kept the game close. Victoria poured it on towards the end with the net empty, but Ty Edmonds stood his ground and held on for his third victory of the season, and his first career WHL shutout.
The Cougars killed off all six of the Victoria power plays, but went zero-for-five on their power play chances. The final shot tally had Victoria with 31 and the Cougars with 27.
Prince George improves their record to 3-3 and 2-1 at home. Victoria lost on the road for the first time in 2013-2014 and are now 2-4.
These two teams meet again on Wednesday night at the CN Centre.
