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09-20-2006, 12:07 PM
http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/
Wednesday, September 20, 2006

Cougars have big plans for Friday’s opening night
by JIM SWANSON, Citizen Sports Editor

Assuming, of course, the city gets the ice back in CN Centre in time (see page 1 story)...

The business manager of the Prince George Cougars has but one hope for Friday night, when the Cats open the regular season agains the Seattle Thunderbirds (7 p.m.) — that the off-ice promotions match the buzz being generated by the on-ice product.

Brandi Brodsky said plans are in the works for an event-filled first night, the start of a 36-game home schedule.

First, Save-On Foods managers will be manning the bar-b-que for a tailgate party that starts at 5 p.m., with proceeds from that going to Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Live music will be provided by Nite Owls, and children can meet team mascot Rowdy Cat and have their faces painted courtesy the Two Rivers Art Gallery.

Inside, a $1,000 diamond giveaway from Ken’s Goldsmithing is the premiere prize of what Brodsky said will be a generous collection of freebies. The cast of Cats will do a number from the musicale and will also perform the national anthems.

“There are a lot of things going on, and with the game itself it should be a nice night for families to enjoy,” said Brodsky. “I think we’re going to have a fantastic weekend. Opening night is a tremendous amount of work, and it’s great to see it come together.”

In addition to showing proud moments from last season, a highlight video will introduce fans to Helena, the orphaned Cougar who now has a home in the wild provided by Northern Lights Wildlife Shelter.

Ticket and corporate sales, Brodsky said, are nearing the goals set in the off-season. With Eric Hunter returning for a final WHL season, and the team stronger on paper than any other time in the recent past, Brodsky is getting good responses from fans.

“The reception that we’ve gotten when we’re out there selling sponsorships, it’s been amazing,” said Brodsky, who has watched attendance decline sharply the last five seasons.

“The buzz is positive, people are happy, and they’re happy when we’re calling them. Everyone’s excited, and we’ve had calls from people coming back who are looking for their old seats. We called our old season ticket holders dating back (six years) and offered them prizes and asked them to come back.

“We’re positive in the office, they’re feeling positive in the dressing room, and it’s time to bring all that positive energy together and have a season to remember.”