2024-25 WHL Season Preview: Prince George Cougars
Previewing the Prince George Cougars' 2024-25 WHL season.
Photo by Keith Dwiggins/Portland Winterhawks - 2024-25 WHL Season Preview: Prince George CougarsWelcome to The Hockey News 2024-25 season preview series. From August 29 to September 20, THN's WHL duo will examine some of the biggest storylines facing each team this season. Today's edition is focused on the Prince George Cougars who will be looking to repeat as B.C. Division champions.
2023-24 Statistics:
Regular Season Record: 49-15-1-3, 102 Points (1st B.C. Division)
Playoffs: Defeated Spokane Chiefs 4-0
Defeated Kelowna Rockets 4-1
Defeated By Portland Winterhawks 4-2
Key Departures: Zac Funk (F), Hudson Thornton (D), Viliam Kmec (D)
Key Additions: Vojtech Vochvest (D), Arseni Anisimov (D), Oscar Lovsin (F)
After going on a run to the Western Conference Final, the Cougars will look very different in 2024-25. They are set to lose some key pieces, including Zac Funk, who scored 67 goals last season, and captain Hudson Thornton. That being said, they should still be one of the top teams in the West and one of the favourites to capture the division crown.
Looking at the forward, they will once again be led by Riley Heidt, who should be in the running for league MVP. Once again, Terik Parascak should be a consistent point producer, while Hunter Laing and Borya Valis will be looked upon to lead a young group of forwards. The big question for the forward group is if Koehn Ziemmer will return, but based on the fact that he is a 20-year-old who is signed, the most likely outcome is the L.A. Kings prospect spends the year in the AHL.
Just like the forward group, there are a lot of questions surrounding what the defence will look like. Vojtech Vochvest and Arseni Anisimov look to be the team's two imports, while Keaton Dowhaniuk should be Prince George's leader in ice time on the blue line. Overall, the Cougars should have a good mix of experience and youth, with plenty of opportunities for younger players to get some game action this year.
Lastly, it will once again be the Joshua Ravensbergen show in net, as the 2025 NHL Draft prospect is expected to get upwards of 40 starts this season. At the moment, it looks like Brady Holtvogt will be the backup, but that could change if Prince George wants a more experienced tender to share the crease with Ravensbergen. Ultimately, expectations are high for the 17-year-old with a nomination for the Del Wilson Trophy not out of the question.
The Cougars are in an interesting spot as they did lose a ton of talent this offseason. That being said, they still have a deep roster and on paper, are one of the top teams in the West. If their younger players can take another step forward, Prince George should once again be one of the highest scoring teams in the WHL.
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