The Prince George Cougars face the unknown in shortened season.

The B.C division of the Western Hockey League is set to return this month to a shortened 24 game season where games will be hosted in two cities, using a "double bubble" approach. The Kamloops Blazers, Prince George Cougars and Vancouver Giants will be based in Kamloops, while the Kelowna Rockets and Victoria Royals will play in Kelowna.

While getting players back on the ice has been a goal of the WHL for some time, it does not come without complications. "The biggest challenge is the unknown...and maintaining the mental health of the players" said Fraser Rodgers, who is the manager of broadcasting, communications and public relations for the Prince George Cougars. When referring to difficulties facing players, Rodgers also said, " the challenge is going to be when you're not playing, how to keep yourself busy because there is a lot of time in this bubble when you're not going to be playing."

While the COVID-19 restrictions and associated challenges have impacted the Cougars financially, there are ongoing challenges for the organization that come along with being the northernmost team in the WHL. Geographic location, travel times, and stereotypes about the north are some of the factors that influence players when deciding where to play. Rodgers believes the pandemic is helping to eliminate some of these barriers. In reference to the players and the teams Rodgers says, " I think people are so desperate to get back to doing what they love....they'd go play in Timbuktu for all they could care at this point, they just want to play hockey."

For more info on the Prince George Cougars season, click here.

Listen to the interview on CFUR FM: