WHL Roundup: Chase Witala powers Cougars past Giants in 5-4 shootout win

PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. – Chase Witala scored twice in regulation and had the only goal of the shootout to lift the Prince George Cougars over the Vancouver Giants 5-4 on Tuesday in Western Hockey League action.

Jesse Gabrielle and Joseph Carvalho both scored in the second period for Prince George (34-26-4). Ty Edmonds made 21 saves and turned aside six skaters in the shootout to earn the win in net.

Alec Baer had a goal and set up two others for Vancouver (23-34-8), while Ty Ronning, Ben Thomas and Taylor Crunk rounded out the Giants offence. Ryan Kubic stopped 22 shots in net for Vancouver.

The Cougars were 1 for 5 on the power play and the Giants were 2 for 5.

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REBELS 5 BRONCOS 2

SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. — Brandon Hagel struck twice as Red Deer outpaced the Broncos.

Adam Musil, Nelson Nogier and Taden Rattie also scored for the Rebels (39-22-3).

Artyom Minulin and Lane Pederson replied for Swift Current (21-34-8).

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TIGERS 3 ICE 0

MEDICINE HAT, Sask. — Nick Schneider made 19 saves as the Tigers blanked Kootenay.

Matt Bradley scored and added two assists for Medicine Hat (25-34-5), while Max Gerlach and Zach Fischer rounded out the attack.

Delcan Hobbs stopped 34 shots for the Ice (10-47-6), who are winless in eight.

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THUNDERBIRDS 7 AMERICANS 2

KENT, Wash. — Mathew Barzal had a hat trick and two assists in Seattle’s rout of Tri-City.

Ryan Gropp also had a hat trick for the Thunderbirds (37-23-3), who have won five straight. Nolan Volcan added a goal.

Michael Rasmussen and Parker Wotherspoon responded for the Americans (30-30-3).